The value of food safety culture to the hospitality industry

Purpose This paper aims to review existing literature in the discipline of food hospitality with specific emphasis on the interaction between food safety management, food safety management systems (FSMS) and food safety culture. It is the first paper in a theme issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, discussing the importance of measuring food safety and quality culture. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines academic literature on FSMS and food safety culture and emerging tools and methods being used to determine their efficacy. Findings FSMS provide a framework for determining the resources required and the procedures and protocols, monitoring and verification necessary to deliver safe food. However, a performance gap has been identified in the literature between intended and actual food safety practice. The factors, rituals and behaviours that mediate this divide have been termed by many as food safety culture. It has been shown that food safety knowledge does not necessarily lead to behaviour that promotes food safety. Thus, the knowledge-experience-attitude-behaviour dynamic of food safety culture is of crucial importance and worthy of further empirical study in the hospitality industry. Originality/value The paper will be of value to practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders involved in the hospitality industry.