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  4. The Operationalization of Food Safety Culture in Retail Food Safety Research: A Systematic Review
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The Operationalization of Food Safety Culture in Retail Food Safety Research: A Systematic Review

Authors:
Poster Author(s)
Kim, Sei Rim (Sally), CFSAN/OFS/RFPS (Student); Liggans, Girvin, CFSAN/OFS/RFPS (Mentor)
Center:
Contributing Office
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition

Abstract

Poster Abstract

The concept of food safety culture has been described as an important factor influencing employee behavior in the retail food industry. Although expressed as a subset of organizational culture, it is unclear the extent to which food safety culture is being conceptualized and measured as a distinct organizational variable. Through a systematic review of the literature, this study sought to explore how food safety culture is defined, conceptualized, and operationalized in studies investigating the concept in retail food establishments. Results showed no consensus in the definition, conceptualization, or operationalization of food safety culture within the literature studied. While food safety culture was most often conceptualized as commitment, communication , leadership, management systems or styles, and risk perception, these are factors previously shown to independently impact employee behavior. Furthermore, these factors can be seen as distinct from shared norms, values, and attitudes (culture). This suggests a need to operationally define food safety culture and measure the concept quantitatively while ensuring it is separate from organizational variables such as organizational culture, behavior, and food safety management systems. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

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