Systematic mapping of food safety outbreaks in the hospitality sector in the Dominican Republic

Abstract

PurposeThe hospitality sector underpins the Dominican Republic's (DR) economy but may be a setting where foodborne disease outbreaks (FBDOs) can occur. The purpose of this research is to conduct a systematic mapping exercise on the available scientific literature related to FBDOs in hospitality in the DR and their link to reported food safety and hygienic practices.Design/methodology/approachA predefined search protocol applied the principles of PRISMA guidance. Publications (n = 2,793) from databases (e.g. Web of Science, PubMed) were identified and systematically selected for relevance. A full-text assessment based on the inclusion criteria led to the identification of a refined list of studies and academic publications (n = 22) included in this review. The descriptive analysis of the collated data is then presented graphically.FindingsA low rate of reporting highlights a knowledge gap on FBDOs, the related food safety hazards and how they are mitigated by stakeholders and local health authorities in the DR. Improving government and other stakeholder capacity to report, investigate and understand FBDOs and the practices involved is essential.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has implications for Government, businesses and public health officials and managers in the hospitality sector in the DR. A potential research limitation is that the search strategies could miss some relevant articles.Practical implicationsThe findings provide a framing for improved risk analysis in implementing food safety management strategies for FBDOs.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic mapping research assessing evidence of FBDOs affecting hospitality in the DR.

The application of systematic accident analysis tools to investigate food safety incidents

“…A similar approach in less economically developed countries where historical data, databases, computing technology, infrastructure, and resource are limited has not yet been considered, despite the potential benefits and capability to model complex systems and integrate both qualitative and quantitative data, for example, through the use of text mining as a means to develop surveillance programs and early warning systems (Bouzembrak, Steen et al., 2018; Marvin et al., 2022). FBD outbreaks occur and can reoccur in less economically developed countries where there are existing limitations and barriers to the consistent implementation of FSMS and particularly HACCP‐based systems (Diaz De Oleo et al., 2023; Garridogamarro et al., 2023; Rincon‐Ballesteros et al., 2019).…”

“…In a wider context, graphically presenting a complete picture of the multiple, interactions, and relationships between these factors across multiple socio‐technical levels is of value not only in determining what happened and what contributed to the incident, but also in identifying how revalidation and reverification activities can add value to prevent future incidents of the same type from occurring in the future. The ability to consider complex global food networks in this way is of value, as well as the ability to use qualitative information as a source of evidence and this can especially support FSI and FBD outbreak investigation in developing countries where resources for epidemiological investigation are limited (Diaz De Oleo et al., 2022, 2023). Therefore, systemic accident analysis can improve the existing organizational FSMS and the FS‐culture and support the application of optimum FS controls at organizational, supply chain, and food system levels especially in commercial and geopolitically sensitive situations.…”