9 Things to Look Out for When Buying Food at the Roadside

Roadside food is a big part of everyday life in Ghana. From hot waakye and banku with pepper to roasted plantain and kebabs, these foods are affordable, tasty and easily accessible. Many people even argue that some of the best meals are sold by roadside vendors.

While this may be true, it is equally important to remember that our health is priceless. Good taste should never come at the expense of hygiene and safety. Poor sanitation and food handling can expose people to food poisoning, cholera, typhoid and other preventable illnesses.

Creating awareness does not mean discouraging roadside food altogether, but rather encouraging informed choices. Below are key things to look out for when buying food at the roadside.

READ ALSO: Here's Why High IQ People Struggle With Love

The first thing to observe is the general environment where the food is sold. Is the area clean or filled with rubbish, stagnant water and foul smells? A dirty environment attracts flies, rodents and other pests that can easily contaminate food.

If food is being prepared or sold close to open drains, overflowing gutters or heaps of refuse, it is a red flag. Even if the food tastes good, the surrounding filth increases the risk of bacteria and germs getting into what you eat.

The appearance and hygiene of the vendor matter a lot. Clean clothes, tidy hair and well-kept hands are important indicators. Vendors who handle money and food at the same time without washing their hands can easily transfer germs from cash to your meal.

Also observe if the vendor covers their mouth when coughing or sneezing, and whether they wash their hands regularly. Personal hygiene reflects how seriously the seller takes food safety.

READ ALSO: Stop! These 10 Items Should Never Be Washed in a Dishwasher

Look closely at the plates, spoons, pots and other utensils being used. Are they clean, or do they have visible stains, dried food or oil? Sometimes utensils are rinsed in the same dirty water repeatedly, which defeats the purpose of washing.

If the water used for washing plates looks cloudy or oily, it may be spreading germs rather than removing them. Clean utensils are just as important as clean food.

READ ALSO: How Early Morning Intimacy Can Make Your Day More Fruitful

Flies are common at roadside food joints, but they are dangerous carriers of germs. Food should be properly covered, especially items that are already cooked. Food left open attracts flies, dust from passing vehicles and exhaust fumes.

If you notice flies sitting on the food repeatedly, or food exposed to the open air for long periods, it is safer to avoid it, no matter how popular the vendor may be. Your health first.

Always consider how fresh the food looks and smells. Food that has been sitting out for hours, especially under the hot sun, can easily spoil. Reheated food may still look fine but can harbour harmful bacteria.

Trust your senses. If the food has a strange smell, unusual colour or oily appearance that looks old, it is better to walk away than risk stomach problems.

READ ALSO: How to Get Married at AMA for Under GH¢1,500: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Couples

Clean water is essential for cooking, washing ingredients and cleaning utensils. Observe whether the vendor has access to clean, running water or relies on stored water of unknown quality. Vendors who struggle with water supply may compromise on hygiene, increasing the risk of contamination. Safe water is a key part of safe food.

Pay attention to how waste is managed at the food joint. Are leftovers, peels and rubbish thrown into a proper bin, or dumped nearby? Poor waste disposal creates an unhealthy environment and attracts pests. A vendor who keeps a covered bin and disposes of waste regularly is more likely to maintain better hygiene standards.

READ ALSO: Tiger Nuts Benefits Sexually: How this superfood can boost your libido and health

Sometimes, the vendor’s attitude says it all. Vendors who respond politely to questions about cleanliness and willingly cover food or wash hands when asked often care about their customers’ health. If a seller becomes defensive or dismissive about hygiene concerns, it may be a sign that food safety is not a priority.

Lastly, listen to your body. If you have eaten from a particular place and repeatedly fallen sick, it is a clear sign to avoid that vendor, regardless of how popular they are. Your health should always come first. No meal is worth frequent stomach upsets or hospital visits.

READ ALSO: NPP Primaries: Over 211,000 delegates to cast votes at 333 centres nationwide

Roadside food is an important part of Ghana’s food culture, and many vendors work hard to provide delicious meals under difficult conditions. However, enjoying roadside food should come with awareness and caution.

Clean surroundings, good personal hygiene, proper food handling and safe water are non-negotiable when it comes to protecting our health. By paying attention to these signs, consumers can make safer choices, and vendors may also be encouraged to improve their hygiene practices. After all, good food should not only taste good—it should also be safe to eat.