Food safety culture – the food inspectors’ perspective - Bournemouth University Staff Profile Pages

Food safety culture – the food inspectors’ perspective

Authors: Nayak, R. and Taylor, J.Z.

Journal: Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes

Volume: 10

Issue: 3

Pages: 376-381

eISSN: 1755-4225

ISSN: 1755-4217

DOI: 10.1108/WHATT-02-2018-0013

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the challenges for food inspectors when attempting to assess the food safety culture of a business. It is the eighth article in this issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, discussing the importance of measuring food safety and quality culture. Design/methodology/approach: As part of a larger research project, 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the current challenges faced by food inspectors in assessing food safety and the future prospects of measuring food safety culture in the UK food system. Findings: Food inspectors face increasing challenges in their role of assessing not just the visible level of legal compliance but also potential risk within a food business; while aware of the importance of food safety culture, they are unsure how to formally assess it. The UK Food Standards Agency developed a toolkit to assist inspectors in assessing the food safety culture of a business; however, this has been found to be onerous and difficult to implement in practice. Originality/value: This paper will be of value to practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders involved in the hospitality industry.

Source: Scopus