Food safety: where from and where to?
Abstract
Purpose
For nearly 150 years the study of food safety has been dominated by a microbiological approach, however, in many countries cases of foodborne disease are at record levels. The purpose of this paper is to review the history of food safety and present a model for studying food safety.
Design/methodology/approach
The history of food safety is reviewed. Data from outbreak investigations and observational studies of food handling are analysed
Findings
Whilst micro‐organisms are a major factor in foodborne disease and microbiology an important research discipline, in order to reduce the incidence of foodborne disease additional research approaches should be used. Such strategies should include food handler behaviour and its links with food safety organisational culture, and food safety management systems.
Practical implications
The findings highlight the limitations of the present approach and the need for additional data, using a wider range of research techniques
Originality/value
A novel model for studying food safety is presented, which has practical implications for reducing the economic and social burden of foodborne disease.
Keywords
Citation
Griffith, C.J. (2006), "Food safety: where from and where to?", British Food Journal, Vol. 108 No. 1, pp. 6-15. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070700610637599
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited