DIAGNÓSTICO DA CULTURA DE SEGURANÇA DE ALIMENTOS (CSA) EM SERVIÇOS DE ALIMENTAÇÃO COMERCIAL NO MUNICÍPIO DE CAMPO GRANDE – MS

Abstract

The Food Safety Culture encompasses attitudes, values, and beliefs that influence hygiene standards in food handling premises. This study aimed to diagnose the Food Safety Culture through a questionnaire with 31 items and develop a decision support model to prioritize actions and promote continuous improvement in food safety. The questionnaire was administered to 102 food handlers in 10 commercial establishments in Campo Grande, MS, using a seven-point Likert scale to address six crucial elements: managerial and staff support, communication, self-commitment, environmental support, job pressure, and risk-based judgment. After administering the questionnaire, descriptive statistical analyses were conducted, including Cronbach's Alpha coefficient, Correlation Matrix, and inferential analyses such as the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation. The results indicated internal instrument reliability, demonstrating a positive trend in Food Safety Culture factors in participating companies, except for the risk-based judgment factor, which showed a negative trend, indicating potential areas for improvement in the effectiveness of food safety practices. Additionally, it was found that older age and experience were positively correlated with attitudes and behaviors aligned with Food Safety. The Decision Tree model developed based on the elements of Food Safety Culture can be applied in food services to prioritize and strengthen actions in Food Safety Culture, highlighting the need for a systemic approach to food safety. The use of the decision tree proved to be a practical and effective strategy to assist in decision-making, providing clarity and visual organization.