TITLE:
Food Safety and Road Safety Implications of Delivery Rider Practices in Accra, Ghana
AUTHORS:
Solomon Buenor Adi, Doreen Dedo Adi, John Acquah-Mensah, Chris Yaw Asare, Yaa Mawufemor Akubia, Ellen Olu Fagbemi
KEYWORDS:
Food Safety, Road Safety, Delivery Riders, Accra
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.11 No.9,
September
23,
2024
ABSTRACT: The rise of online food ordering has led to a proliferation of delivery riders, serving as the final link in the online-to-offline transport chain. Delivery riders are crucial in ensuring customer satisfaction and food integrity, akin to traditional restaurant waiters. However, they face challenges in maintaining food safety standards during transportation and adhering to road safety regulations. The study investigates the food and road safety practices of delivery riders in Accra, Ghana, amid the growth of online food ordering. Structured questionnaires and observation checklists were administered to 355 conveniently sampled delivery riders and a velocity speed gun aided the collection of speed data riders. The study found that while most riders have received training in food hygiene and delivery services, few have food handlers’ certificates, highlighting a gap in regulatory enforcement. Although many use insulated carriers to keep food hot, hygiene practices like hand washing are inconsistent. On the road, riders exhibited selective compliance with road traffic regulations, resulting in a high percentage of riders experiencing crashes, often leading to injuries. The study calls for stricter regulations, mandatory food handlers’ certification, improved hygiene training, and efficient and effective enforcement of traffic laws to enhance safety and public health.