Food Safety Regulations and Consumer Confidence

Abstract

Purpose: The general purpose of this study was investigate the food safety regulations and consumer confidence.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to food safety regulations. Preliminary empirical review revealed that food safety regulations are crucial for shaping consumer confidence in the safety and quality of food products, with stricter regulations associated with higher trust levels. Measures like HACCP and labeling requirements promote transparency and accountability. However, regulatory effectiveness depends on factors like enforcement consistency and communication. Inconsistencies can erode trust, necessitating efforts to strengthen enforcement and improve communication. Contextual factors like socio-economic status influence consumer perceptions, especially in developing countries with systemic challenges. Addressing these requires targeted interventions to enhance regulatory systems and promote consumer education. Overall, ongoing research and collaboration are vital for strengthening food safety systems, regulatory compliance, and consumer trust, essential for protecting public health and well-being.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social Exchange theory, Trust theory and the Diffusion of Innovation theory may be used to anchor future studies on food safety regulations. The study provided several recommendations. It emphasized the importance of enhancing transparency and accountability within the food industry by improving communication and enforcement of regulatory standards. Additionally, the study highlighted the need for ongoing education and training initiatives to build awareness of food safety regulations. Collaboration among stakeholders, adoption of innovative technologies, and continuous evaluation of regulations were also recommended to strengthen food safety efforts and enhance consumer confidence in the safety of food products.