37. The meeting made recommendations as set out below.
- On the basis of the available data, awareness of countries regarding the important socio-economic and nutritional implications of street foods has increased. It is recommended that such awareness should be developed further on a world wide basis and sustained, and also that necessary steps be taken to formally recognize the sector at national and local levels. Development of model street foods areas is a useful means to raise awareness amongst policy makers and to launch specific actions for improvements in the informal sector.
- Recognizing that the role of women in street food vending has many positive social and economic implications, it is recommended that their important role be fully recognized and taken into account when dealing with the sector.
- It is recommended that specific regulations be prepared and implemented to ensure sustainable improvement of street foods. These regulations should be scientifically based and recognize the special characteristics of street foods. Responsibilities of national and municipal authorities should be clearly defined. Vendors' and consumers' representatives should be actively involved and consulted in the formulation process. Licensing and development of codes of practices were stressed as essential components of sound regulations for street foods. Codes of practices should be established by national authorities for adaptation to the particular circumstances at the location they are to be implemented. Control and monitoring should principally be carried out through regular presence of adequately trained food inspectors to provide advice and rectify inappropriate practices. These actions should be based on the use of risk analysis methodologies and implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
- Considering the outcome of previous meetings, the experience gained in improving sanitary environment of street foods (supply of potable water and waste disposal facilities in particular) and the improvement of street food vending infrastructure, it is recommended that the actions initiated continue to be vigorously pursued. It is recommended that the participation of vendors and NGOs be strengthened in the design of the developmental programmes, mobilization of financial resources, and in development and maintenance of appropriate infrastructures. It is recommended that special attention be given to development of adequate sanitary facilities on a collective basis, in selected areas identified by local authorities.
- The training of all involved in street foods is a fundamental need. It is recommended that efforts made in this field be sustained and training methodologies continue to be developed on the basis of experience. It is further recommended that training continue to address specific requirements for training of food inspectors, trainers, vendors. Education of consumers including school children should receive attention. Issues like those of participatory approach, setting of model areas, pretesting and evaluation of training modules should be studied and developed further. The establishment of "Regional Centres of Excellence" is recommended so as to contribute to the exchange of knowledge and experience towards improving street foods technologies and training methodologies. Consideration of electronic networking for exchange of information is recommended.
- Considering the outcome of past meetings and the experience gained from activities carried out in a number of countries over the last two decades, a framework for a guideline action plan on street foods for implementation at local, national and international levels is recommended. This is attached as Annex 4.
