Concerns about environmental sanitation in markets

Breakfast shops operating right next to areas where poultry and raw meat are sold and slaughtered pose potential risks to food safety and environmental pollution.

At Dong Huong wholesale fruit and vegetable market ( Thanh Hoa city), environmental sanitation is a concern, especially in the breakfast area opposite the stalls selling live poultry and fresh food. Observations show that restaurants with tables and chairs arranged close to the roadside, serving customers right next to the poultry trading area, causing the dining space to be affected by odors, dust and especially the risk of bacterial contamination from poultry slaughtering and raw meat.

Just a few steps away, on one side is a pot of steaming boiling water, diners sit close together on makeshift benches, on the other side is poultry slaughtering, wastewater is discharged directly onto the market floor, the stench is strong... And the drainage system here is almost ineffective because it is clogged with garbage, stagnant dirty water and gives off a foul smell...

Similarly, at Rung Thong town market, where over 200 households sell fresh food, vegetables, fruits, dried goods, clothes, etc. This is a bustling place for shopping, but also a hot spot for waste. According to the reporter's observations, although the infrastructure has been solidly invested and there is a regular waste collection force, the situation of littering is still quite common. Garbage and plastic bags are strewn everywhere; garbage is collected in the right place, but due to the long collection time, the waste decomposes, emits a strong smell, seriously affecting the surrounding environment.

Ms. Ngo Thi Hong, a regular market goer, shared: “A lot of waste, from food waste, vegetables, to plastic, foam boxes... are all collected in one place. The collection point is located right next to the fresh food area, so the stench is very unpleasant, affecting the general environment.”

Worryingly, in the fresh food area, the on-site slaughter of ducks and chickens is only washed roughly, making the market floor always damp and smelly. Wastewater is also discharged directly into the public sewer, causing serious pollution. Mr. Nguyen Van Minh, Head of the Management Board of Rung Thong Town Market, said: "Every day, the market generates nearly 1 ton of garbage. We have regularly promoted and encouraged traders to classify garbage and maintain environmental hygiene, but many households still lack awareness and do not strictly comply with environmental protection regulations."

According to statistics, there are currently 265 markets in the province, of which 134 are solidly built, 93 are semi-solid, the rest are temporary markets and many spontaneous sales points. Although the market system is widely distributed to serve the buying and selling needs of the people, it also comes with a large amount of daily household waste, posing a serious risk of environmental pollution if not well controlled.

Through actual surveys at many markets from urban to rural areas, it is easy to see the limitations in environmental sanitation. In areas where fresh products such as meat, fish, and vegetables are sold - places with a high risk of disease outbreaks - waste collection and wastewater treatment have not been organized effectively. Many markets lack a centralized waste collection system, lack public waste bins, and there are almost no signs promoting environmental protection. Notably, many infrastructure works have seriously degraded; drainage systems are clogged with waste, causing dirty stagnant water after each rain or due to daily activities.

In addition, the situation of encroachment on the sidewalks and sidewalks of traditional markets is common, making environmental sanitation difficult. The environmental protection awareness of some businesses and people is still limited, demonstrated by littering, dumping garbage directly into the sewers, causing blockages, prolonged stagnation, seriously affecting the landscape and public health. In particular, in rural markets, the issue of food hygiene and safety is even more worrying. Processed foods, meat, fish, cakes, etc. are displayed uncovered, placed near dirty water puddles, household waste, creating conditions for flies to breed, posing many potential risks to the health and safety of consumers.

To overcome the above situation, localities need to increase investment and upgrade market infrastructure, especially waste and wastewater treatment systems. At the same time, it is necessary to step up propaganda and raise awareness among people and traders in maintaining public hygiene. In addition, authorities need to inspect and strictly handle violations of environmental regulations. Environmental protection in markets is not only the responsibility of the authorities, but also requires the cooperation of the community to build a civilized, clean and safe shopping environment for people's health.

Article and photos: Tran Hang

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/lo-ngai-van-de-mat-ve-sinh-moi-truong-tai-cac-cho-246557.htm