We are What we Eat: Consumer Perception-Based Food Safety Compliance of Food lane Night Market in San Jose, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the food safety compliance of Food lane Night Market in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. It specifically examined the demographic profile of consumers based on sex, age, occupation, and number of visits. Additionally, the study investigated significant differences and relationships in the assessment of food safety compliance when grouped by demographic profile. A quantitative descriptive research design was used, involving 273 respondents aged 18 and above who had dined at least once at the ood lane Night Market. Data was collected using a 4-point Likert scale and printed survey questionnaires distributed directly to consumers. Frequency and percentage distribution described the respondents’ demographic profiles. ANOVA and T-tests examined significant differences between consumers’ socio-demographic profiles and their assessment of food safety compliance, while Pearson R Correlation tested for a significant relationship between consumers’ demographic profiles (age and number of visits) and their assessment of food safety compliance. The study found that the food lane Night Market complies with the WHO’s Five Keys to Safer Food: keep clean, separate raw and cooked food, cook food thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, and using safe water and raw materials. Most respondents were female, primarily students aged 20 and below, who had visited the market more than five times. No significant difference was found between consumers’ socio-demographic profiles (sex and occupation) and their assessment of food safety compliance. Additionally, there was no significant relationship between consumers’ socio-demographic profiles (age and number of visits) and their assessment of food safety compliance, except for a significant relationship between the number of visits and the assessment of cooking food thoroughly. Based on these findings, an action plan to improve food safety compliance at food lane Night Market was proposed.