Hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP), a system of risk management designed to control food safety, has emerged over the last decade as the primary approach to securing the safety of the food supply. It is thus an important tool in combatting the worldwide escalation of foodborne disease. Yet despite wide dissemination and scientific support of its principles, successful HACCP implementation has been limited. This report takes a psychological approach to this problem by examining processes and factors that could impede adherence to the internationally accepted HACCP Guidelines and subsequent successful implementation of HACCP. Utilizing knowledge of medical clinical guideline adherence models and practical experience of HACCP implementation problems, the potential advantages of applying a behavioral model to food safety management are highlighted. The models' applicability was investigated using telephone interviews from over 200 businesses in the United Kingdom. Eleven key barriers to HACCP guideline adherence were identified. In-depth narrative interviews with food business proprietors then confirmed these findings and demonstrated the subsequent negative effect(s) on HACCP implementation. A resultant HACCP awareness to adherence model is proposed that demonstrates the complex range of potential knowledge, attitude, and behavior-related barriers involved in failures of HACCP guideline adherence. The model's specificity and detail provide a tool whereby problems can be identified and located and in this way facilitate tailored and constructive intervention. It is suggested that further investigation into the barriers involved and how to overcome them would be of substantial benefit to successful HACCP implementation and thereby contribute to an overall improvement in public health.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of food safety culture in a multi-cultural environment. It is the eighth paper in a themed issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes presenting international food safety management challenges and solutions. Design/methodology/approach -A literature review brings together theories and practical research in the fields of management, international business, psychology and food safety. Findings -A theoretical framework is developed using a wide range of theories and research findings, with the aim of broadening the current understanding of the concept of food safety culture while also clarifying it. Practical implications -The paper will be of value to practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders involved in the food industry. Originality/value -This paper presents a unique insight into the concept of food safety culture, and presents an in-depth theoretical framework.

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) is a system of food safety management that in the last few decades has become an increasing part of national government and international strategy to reduce the prevalence of food borne disease. Yet despite wide dissemination and scientific support of its principles, successful HACCP implementation has been limited. There has been very little in-depth consideration of the reasons behind this, and qualitative psychological research examining the interplay of factors involved is almost non-existent. For this study therefore, four in-depth narrative interviews were carried out with small business owners attempting to implement HACCP. Non-prescriptive analysis of their interviews was carried out, and this revealed five key themes acting as 'barriers' to successful implementation. These were of HACCP as difficult, burdensome and unnecessary, and hindered by staff and external problems. The analysis showed furthermore the complexity of issues underpinning problems with HACCP implementation and the way in which they operate at knowledge, attitude and behavioural levels. From this, essential issues to be addressed in order for successful HACCP to be achieved are put forward.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the 16-year research and development journey of the Culture Excellence assessment tool, which is used widely to assess safety and quality culture in the food industry. It is the third article in a theme issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, discussing the importance of measuring food safety and quality culture. Design/methodology/approach An iterative process of in-depth interviews and mixed-method case studies led to the development of a conceptual model and an online assessment tool, which are used to gain insight into safety and quality culture. Findings The research process resulted in a conceptual model of four categories and 20 dimensions of safety and quality culture, alongside a practical online assessment tool to enable their measurement; these categories and dimensions are demonstrated using qualitative quotations. Originality/value This paper introduces qualitative data on safety and quality culture direct from the food industry with academic analysis to highlight new dimensions and issues. It will be of value to food safety and quality practitioners, trainers, auditors and other stakeholders involved in the food industry.

Hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) is a system of food safety management that has emerged over the last decade as the primary approach to securing the safety of the food supply. It is thus an important tool in combating the world‐wide escalation of food borne disease. Yet despite wide dissemination and scientific support for its principles, successful HACCP implementation in small businesses has been limited. There has been very little in‐depth consideration of the reasons behind this, and case study research examining the interplay of factors involved is non‐existent. For this study, therefore, an in‐depth narrative interview was carried out with a small farm owner who has resisted implementing HACCP. Non‐prescriptive analysis of the interview revealed that his highly negative attitude toward HACCP was based around his perception of it as a “bureaucratic nightmare”, and uncovered the complex range of meanings and barriers that this association contains.