From control systems to safety culture in the global foodservice outlet arena: A Balearic Islands perspective.

Abstract

BackgroundDespite the efforts made by companies and authorities in food safety control systems, there is currently a gap between the theoretical knowledge of the workforce and their real behavior in food service outlets in the hotel, restaurant, and catering sector (HORECA). Approaches and methodsThe proposed method involves the psychological empowerment of food business operators as well as food safety authorities and external consultants. This is achieved via an information and communication technology (ICT) platform, where they perform a self-assessment verification and the result is a rating score and a non-compliance traffic light, respectively, which is supervised by food safety authorities before it is displayed on a public platform for consumers to make an informed choice in real time. Conclusionsand future trends: The QxQ program strategy focuses on food handlers and food companies to promote their awareness of the dangers to consumers and the importance of the smarter control they perform. Through ICT empowerment, the QxQ program develops a geographically and technologically scalable strategy with respect to the scope of food safety culture in the Balearic Islands and therefore with the potential to be adopted at any location.The purpose of this commentary is to look toward the future, where food business operators, outside consultant technicians, as well as regulators, work together using cutting-edge technological solutions, to harmonise the interpretation of food safety regulations for a consistent approach and their due diligence at the EU and global level.