ASSESSING FOOD SAFETY CULTURE AMONG FOOD COMPANIES IN THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA.
ASSESSING FOOD SAFETY CULTURE AMONG FOOD COMPANIES IN THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA.
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Date
2022-12
Authors
DORIS KUNGAZURI SEIDU
7201180017
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Abstract
The study sought to assess the food safety culture among food companies in the Capital of Upper East Region, Ghana. The study specifically aimed at determining the food safety management system and style among food companies, assessed the food safety knowledge, attitude and hygienic practices of food companies and, analysing the views towards the challenges, barriers and opportunities in adapting food safety culture in the food industry. The study was based on a descriptive design with a quantitative method of data collection. The study targeted a population of 150 staffs from five food companies in the Bolgatanga, the capital of Upper East, with purposive sampling to sample 75 respondents for the study. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS tools like frequency and percentage tables and charts. The study revealed 48.0% of the respondents affirmed HACCP as the food safety management system adapted by their company, all most all (87.0%) of the respondents have knowledge about food safety practice and inadequate training and knowledge is a major challenge by the company in adapting food safety practice. The study concluded that management of food processing companies must play an active role in adapting and implementing some form of FSMs to guarantee a consistent production of safe products (food) for consumers. The study recommended that FDA should intensify their regulatory and monitoring visits to food companies to ensure that food handlers adhere to acceptable food safety practices.