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Discusses the possibility of resolving the microbiological safety issues in food manufacturing by use of advanced manufacturing systems. Predicts that by the year 2000, testing, quality control and product safety will be addressed by use of automated production facilities.

Consumer perception of a harmful and hazardous food risk and the strategies to reduce the exposure to such a risk are examined. A survey of 172 respondents confirmed the perceived risk theory and risk reducing strategies commonly used for the downside risk, and that expectations of negative utility are relevant to understand consumer perception of food safety risk. This study also shows that consumers are able to assess the uncertainty and the negative consequence of a perceived hazardous risk, and take action to reduce their exposure to the perceived risk. The findings seem to support the quality assurance scheme, useful information, brand, or product origin, which are the important risk reducing strategies of microbiological risk. Being a pilot study, this framework should be tested by using a product with which the risk is perceived to be beyond the control of consumers.

In recent years, quality assurance schemes have grown considerably in number and scope. Several useful benefits have been claimed for them including their value as marketing advantages. However, there appears to be a paucity of published research to support this claim. This paper, therefore, seeks to substantiate the claim that quality assurance schemes represent useful marketing advantages as well as determining the magnitude of the advantage. The study is based on conjoint analysis as it is argued that this is a more realistic and therefore, appropriate research technique than the direct elicitation approach embodied in simply asking consumers for their opinions concerning quality assurance schemes. The paper concludes that quality assurance is an influence on the consumer decision process for mince beef and in addition provides an indication as to its relative importance. It also speculates on the implications for quality assurance schemes in general.

The food industry in Saudi Arabia is continually challenged by fierce competition from giant international food processing firms. In spite of that, it constantly shows signs of growth as reflected in its exports. The competition is expected to propagate after joining the World Trade Organization. An investigation identified the readiness and quality status of the Saudi food industry to endure the new challenge and survive the free trade market. The purpose of this paper is to examine the application of the quality tools in the production setups of this industry and to explore signs of TQM to evaluate its competitiveness.

A sample drawn from the Saudi food industry was exposed to an empirical survey supported by structured interviews to measure the quality standing of the industry. The survey results were statistically analyzed and presented.

Evidence of the adoption of quality tools and an interest to exploit even more advanced quality measures indicate an encouraging future for the food industry in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, findings reflect enthusiasm of the sector to attain internationally recognized quality awards.

The motives that stimulate the Saudi industry to practice the quality standards were not investigated. Further exploration is necessary to diagnose the roots of these motives and ultimately suggests a set of guidelines to reinforce or alter the existing motives.

The findings of this study contribute to the prediction and formation of the future of the industrial sector in Saudi Arabia, especially after joining the World Trade Organization.