Status : Verified
| Personal Name | Maulanin, Airish May J.; Mella, Althea M.; Pedir, Cyril Abbyline P. |
|---|---|
| Resource Title | Understanding the challenges in implementing food safety practices among cafeteria employees in UP Diliman |
| Date Issued | 1 June 2025 |
| Abstract | Foodborne disease outbreaks (FBDOs) remain a major public health concern, especially in developing countries like the Philippines, where school-based food establishments frequently report such incidents. While regulatory frameworks exist, gaps persist between food safety knowledge and actual practice. This study explores these gaps by 1) providing a comprehensive overview of the existing food safety standards, rules, and regulations governing cafeterias in UP Diliman (UPD), 2) assessing worker compliance to food safety standards, and 3) identifying the challenges that UPD cafeteria employees encounter in observing food safety practices. Employing a qualitative approach, this study utilized a written correspondence supplemented by an interview from a key informant from the UPD Food Service Regulatory Committee (FSRC), and a semi-structured interview with cafeteria employees. Findings revealed a notable disconnect between institutional food safety policies and their implementation at the operational and personal level. Particularly, while the university—with the FSRC serving as administrators—has established inspection routines, sanitation protocols, and orientation sessions, these mechanisms are inconsistently applied or poorly communicated. For one, at the operational level, employees reported limited access to formal guidelines such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), variation in food safety and sanitation inspections, and absence of a formally designated food safety officer. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure, resource limitations, and environmental hazards further compromise compliance. On a personal level, cafeteria employees reported having knowledge and skill gaps, inconsistent hygiene practices, and human errors or oversights. In sum, these challenges reflect a fragmented administration of the university-wide regulations which further compound the operational and personal challenges encountered by cafeteria employees. In light of these findings |
| Degree Course | Bachelor of Science in Community Nutrition |
| Language | English |
| Keyword | Foodborne diseases—Philippines; Food service—Sanitation—Philippines; Food safety; Cafeterias; University food services |
| Material Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
Preliminary Pages
835.34 Kb
Category : F - Regular work, i.e., it has no patentable invention or creation, the author does not wish for personal publication, there is no confidential information.
Access Permission : Open Access