Assessment of food safety culture in the manufacturing and processing of ready-to-eat foods, using a Salvadoran company as a case example

Abstract

The culture of food safety encompasses values, beliefs, and norms that shape attitudes and behaviors towards food safety within organizations. Experts advocate for establishing this culture to enhance practices. In the absence of local research, this study evaluated food safety culture based on the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) in a Ready-to-Eat Food industry (RTE) in El Salvador from November 2022 to May 2023. Using surveys, interviews, and observation, data were analyzed to validate results. The maturity of the culture was diagnosed, proposing an Action and Communication Plan to address identified gaps.