This policy brief explores food safety challenges in Ethiopia’s traditional markets, which serve as key sources of affordable food for much of the population. These markets are largely informal and lack the infrastructure, hygiene practices, and regulatory oversight necessary to ensure safe food handling. Key issues include poor sanitation, limited cold storage, and lack of food safety knowledge among vendors. Foodborne illness is a significant public health concern, exacerbated by unsafe practices in these informal markets. The brief emphasizes the need for multisectoral strategies, including investments in market infrastructure, development of regulatory frameworks, and vendor training. The Ethiopian government has made some progress by developing food safety guidelines specific to traditional markets, but more coordinated action is needed.
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