This study was conducted to ascertain the readiness of fish vendors in Magay Public Market, Zamboanga city for food safety through determining their level of awareness and food handling practices. Employing the cross-sectional descriptive research design, questionnaires on the food safety awareness and food safety act, and observational checklist were used as data gathering instruments. Fifty-two fish vendors were observed and interviewed to determine the level of awareness and practices on food safety. Findings revealed that the level of awareness is higher but with poor practices on food safety and proper handling. It can be attributed to the factors such as lack of infrastructure, source of potable water, proper market places or stalls, and proper market organization that contributes to their poor practices. It was then concluded that fish vendors in Magay public market had high level of awareness about food safety practices and proper food handling, but this was not reflected in their practices. Therefore, fish vendors of Magay public market is not yet ready for food safety regime.

Keyword: Food safety readiness and practices Fish handlers