This document discusses food safety issues in informal markets in developing countries. It notes that most poor consumers purchase food from these markets, where regulations are lacking. Key food safety problems discussed include aflatoxins contaminating staple crops like maize in Africa, resulting in many illnesses and deaths annually. Studies also found unacceptably high levels of foodborne bacteria in meat, dairy and fish products across different settings and value chains. However, effective and low-cost interventions to improve food safety and hygiene practices among vendors have been shown to significantly reduce contamination and save economies millions of dollars in health costs.