Exploration of constructing the catering quality indices of university canteens in China from the viewpoint of food safety

Abstract

PurposeThis study used the literature review and the modified Delphi method to evaluate the importance of the catering quality indices of university canteens in China. In order to compile the catering quality indices of university canteens in China as reference for the subsequent improvement of Chinese canteens.Design/methodology/approachThis study first analysed literature data to establish the preliminary quality indices and used the modified Delphi method for measurement. After three rounds of Delphi analysis by 35 experts, the results of the catering quality indices of university canteens in China are summarised.FindingsThe research results show that university canteen catering quality issues are divided into six dimensions, including catering safety management, employee hygiene management, catering service, food quality, environmental atmosphere and corporate social responsibility. Catering safety management is the most important index, followed by employee hygiene management.Originality/valueThe research results can be used as suggestions for follow-up improvements in the quality of university canteens in China and a basis of reference for amendments to relevant national or local laws and regulations. The food prices, food quality and whether food hygiene and safety standards are met by university canteens are all related to the health and vital interests of the teachers and students, as well as the stability of the university. Therefore, the government should increase supervision in these aspects to avoid decline in the quality of meals due to low profits and enforce strict requirements for food safety.

How to believe? Building trust in food businesses' consumers based on psychological contracts

“…First, by analyzing the total impact of the research framework, this study confirms the significance of food quality and safety, as highlighted in previous studies (Yu et al, 2017;Kuttschreuter et al, 2014;Mol, 2014), and compares their respective impacts in an online context. The findings reveal that while food safety concerns are prevalent in the Chinese food market (Ji and Ko, 2021;Mirosa et al, 2020;Thomas and Feng, 2021), food quality is the primary factor in establishing consumer trust during online food transactions. This aligns with similar research conducted in different countries (Konuk, 2018, Pedersen et al, 2023, demonstrating that the product attributes of food remain fundamental in maintaining a marketing relationship in the online environment.…”

“…This can lead to widespread concerns about public safety issues and even social panic (Camino Feltes et al ., 2017). These two factors are so closely related that they are commonly discussed as a whole issue in various cultural contexts and different fields, including public health (Jacxsens et al ., 2010; Ji and Ko, 2021), agricultural economy (Kim, 2012), risk management (Mol, 2014; Camino Feltes et al ., 2017) and law (Barnard and O'Connor, 2017).…”

“…Food quality and safety are closely related because food is intricately linked to human health, and its quality often determines safety outcomes (Ji and Ko, 2021). High-quality food not only satisfies basic physical needs and promotes physical health, but it also enhances psychological pleasure and encourages positive consumption habits (Lefrid, 2021; Jeaheng et al ., 2023).…”

“…Especially for small-and mediumsized companies, gaining consumer trust can often seem like a beautiful fairytale. In the Chinese food market, which is currently facing a serious crisis of trust (Wang et al, 2022b;Tan and Chen, 2021), consumers are generally highly suspicious of food companies and even skeptical of some well-established brands (Mol, 2014;Ji andKo, 2021, Pedersen et al, 2023). It is more challenging for small brands to establish consumer trust.…”