What does a food safety culture refer to?

A food safety culture refers to the collective values and behaviors that prioritize food safety within an organization. This encompasses the attitudes and practices of all employees, from management to frontline staff, regarding food safety policies and procedures. When a strong food safety culture is established, it leads to improved compliance with food safety regulations, reduced incidents of foodborne illness, and overall enhancement of the organization's commitment to maintaining high food safety standards.

In such a culture, employees are not only aware of food safety protocols but also understand the importance of these practices, feel responsible for following them, and actively engage in maintaining safe food handling procedures. This approach fosters an environment where food safety is integrated into every aspect of the work process, rather than being viewed as just a checklist item or separate program.