Assessment of fish handling practices in iganga fish market and their perceived impacts on fresh fish quality
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Busitema University
Abstract
This study assessed fish handling practices and their impacts on fish quality in Iganga fish
market, Uganda, with the general objective of evaluating past practices and their effects
on fish quality and safety. Specific objectives included identifying fish handling practices
employed, evaluating their impact on fish quality and freshness with a focus on spoilage
rates and hygiene risks, and assessing vendors' knowledge and awareness of proper
handling, storage, and hygiene practices. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used.
Data was collected through questionnaires and observations using 100 fish vendors in
Iganga fish market. Fish preservation primarily involved salting (46%) or insulated
containers with ice (37%). Storage of fresh fish was predominantly under ice (48%) or
refrigeration (26%). 84% display fish on tables. 72% practice fish scaling before sales;
use of clean tap water (52%) is commonly used. However, 80% reported frequent
spoilage, primarily attributed to high temperatures (36%) and inadequate facilities (31%),
with bad odor (64%) as the dominant spoilage indicator. Hygiene practices focused on
facility cleaning (75%), but only 69% of vendors had received training, mostly from
government agencies (56%). Key challenges included limited refrigeration (36%) and lack
of training (32%). Respondents (52%) suggested improved hygiene to enhance fish
quality, with 89% expressing willingness to participate in training programs. The study
recommended targeted training, improved infrastructure, and stricter hygiene regulations
to reduce spoilage and ensure consumer safety.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Mukisa, Araphat. (2025).Assessment of fish handling practices in iganga fish market and their perceived impacts on fresh fish quality