Consumers’ Perspective for the Betterment of Street Food and Women Food Vendors in Kolkata

Abstract

Like all other city of India, street foods are widely used in Kolkata. Without any formal establishment street food mainly comprises unorganized food vending where cooked food may be served. Street foods are easily available and affordable to consumers, so it is highly popular to all age group specially in urban area. The objective of the study was to assess the socio-economic status, food safety knowledge and attitude among street food consumers. To find out the status of street food consumers and their perspective for the betterment of street food and women food vendor a questionnaire was given to 65 consumers. The data found that 27.7% consumers take street food daily basis, 35.4% choose women vendor for neat and clean stall. Among all street food stable foods (like rice, roti) are most popular. 56.9% people take street food for easy availability. 21.5% consumers had no idea about food borne illness. There are large number of women street food vendors are selling cooked food in Kolkata. There are also many consumer depends on street foods only. However they all want betterment of street food, betterment of women food vendor and they suggest social security, good infrastructure, and training programme for vendor. To satisfy consumer demand for street foods change in existing perception and government supervision is necessary.