Bacteriological profile of street foods in Mangalore.

Street food refers to a variety of food and beverages prepared and sold by vendors in streets and other public places for immediate consumption. Selling street foods is an important occupation in many cities in developing countries. As hygienic standards may not be maintained during the preparation of these food items, there is always concern about their safety, quality and hygiene.1 We studied the bacteriological profile of street foods in Mangalore, south India.