Wet Markets and Hawking

In contrast to large supermarkets, wet markets and street hawkers remain the main outlets from which many people globally still buy their food. Wet markets are retail food markets comprising multiple stallholders each typically selling a single type of commodity. The markets are called wet markets because of the extensive use of water to keep foods fresh and fish alive in the absence of refrigeration. [Page 1478]In many cities, the markets are located in buildings that were made for that purpose, but there are also informal street markets, bazaars, or places for hawkers where small cart retailers also sell food. Although important from health, social justice, and sociocultural standpoints, food trading in wet markets and through hawking is not always perceived in positive terms and ...