Level of Awareness and Constraints of Service Crews and Managerial Support on Food Safety and Sanitation Enhancement

Authors

  • Jenna May C. Pedericos School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Lyka C. Villanueva School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Godemila S. Uy School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Ravin P. Segovia School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Nael Lyndon C. Pedericos School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Beverly Jean G. Manchera School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Lito A. Luena School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Valester M. Lucero School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Vanessa Niña S. Jayag School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Marinel P. Civico School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Edcel J. Camus School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Kicy A. Bersabal School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Khristian Dave J. Bautista School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Maverick D. Avestruz School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Gilbert A. Amante School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Janah M. Madrazo School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author
  • Jenny A. Babor Research Adviser, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Western Leyte College, Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsis.V1.I3.178

Keywords:

Food Safety Awareness, Food Safety Training, Managerial Support, Operational Constraints, Restaurant Service Crews, Sanitation Practices, Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Food safety and sanitation are essential to public health and effective restaurant operations. This study assessed service crews’ awareness of food safety and sanitation, operational constraints, and managerial support in selected restaurants in Ormoc City, Leyte, as a basis for proposing enhancement measures. Anchored in the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Knowledge-Practice Framework, the study employed a quantitative descriptive research design involving 100 service crews selected through purposive sampling from ten restaurants. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and weighted mean. Findings revealed a high level of food safety awareness (4.86, Strongly Agree) and managerial support (4.52, Strongly Agree). Operational constraints received an overall mean of 3.15 (Neutral), with additional training identified as the most prominent concern (3.64, Agree). Although respondents demonstrated substantial awareness and favorable perceptions of managerial support, challenges remained in maintaining cleanliness during busy hours, following established procedures, and ensuring adequate sanitation resources. The study recommends regular training, strengthened supervision and compliance monitoring, sufficient sanitation supplies, and continuous managerial feedback. The findings align with Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by emphasizing food safety, safer working conditions, and responsible sanitation practices. The proposed measures may contribute to institutional and social sustainability by strengthening workplace hygiene management, supporting employee development, and promoting safer food service operations.

References

Asia-Pacific Journal of Innovation in Hospitality and Tourism. (2019). Compliance with food safety standards of ambulant vendors in two cities in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Asia-Pacific Journal of Innovation in Hospitality and Tourism, 8(1), 33–47. https://fslmjournals.taylors.edu.my/wp-content/uploads/APJIHT/APJIHT-2019-8-2/APJIHT-2019-P8-8-2

Belgica, R. J. B. (2024). Food safety knowledge among street food vendors in Estancia, Iloilo, Philippines. International Journal of Research in Engineering, Science and Management, 7(9), 58–61. https://journal.ijresm.com/index.php/ijresm/article/view/3175

Borbon, N. M. D., & Tolentino, M. (2020). Food safety practices of food establishments: Basis for policy enhancement. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, Arts and Sciences, 7(1), 47–53. https://research.lpubatangas.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/APJEAS-2020.7.1.06.pdf

Brown, L. G., Le, B., Wong, M. R., Reimann, D., Nicholas, D., Faw, B., Davis, E., & Selman, C. A. (2014). Restaurant manager and worker food safety certification and knowledge. Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, 11(11), 835–843. https://doi.org/10.1089/fpd.2014.1787 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/fpd.2014.1787

Crim, S., & Odeyemi, O. (2019). A determinant of sanitation conditions in local restaurants. Journal of Environmental Health, 82(3), 24–31. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Crim%2C+S.%2C+%26+Odeyemi%2C+O.+%282019%29

De Freitas, R. S. G., Stedefeldt, E., & Cunha, D. T. (2022). Why do kitchen workers not practice what they learn about food safety? Food Control, 132, 108484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108484 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111114

Department of Health Regional Office VIII. (2017, March 3). DOHRO8 conducted a feedback forum on food safety research and training of food handlers in selected schools in Eastern Visayas. Eastern Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium. https://www.healthresearch.ph/index.php/regional-news/443-dohro8-conducted-a-feedback-forum-on-food-safety-research-and-training-of-food-handlers-in-selected-schools-in-eastern-visayas

Gay, D. L., Joaquin, M. L. A., Landicho, J. M., Lazaro, K. S. M., Sorrosa, V. M. V., Castro, C. F. T., & Villanueva, F. C. C. (2022). Accessible tourism experiences in restaurants: The case of persons with disabilities residing in Bulacan. Cosmos: An International Journal of Art & Higher Education, 11(1), 53–71. https://doi.org/10.46360/cosmos.ahe.520221007

Jaxon Riego. (2023). The theory of food safety and sanitation practices. Adolescent and Young People’s Health Issues and Challenges. https://www.scribd.com/

King, H. (2013). Food safety management: Implementing a food safety program in a food retail business. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6205-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6205-7

Lazaro, A. P., Pinson, A. M. C., et al. (2025). Employee hygiene management and food safety practices among local restaurants in the Philippines. Asian Journal of Food Research and Nutrition, 4(2), 454–469. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajfrn/2025/v4i2259 DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/ajfrn/2025/v4i2259

Li, B., Wang, M., Yang, Y., & Gong, S. (2019). Food safety in restaurants: The consumer perspective. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 77, 139–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2018.06.023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2018.06.023

Moscare-Balanquit, D. L., & Dolon-Sanoria, J. (2019). Safe food preparation practices of food establishments in Catarman, Northern Samar, Philippines: A qualitative study. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Approach and Studies, 6(1), 69–79. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=Moscare-Balanquit%2C+D.+L.%2C+%26+Dolon-Sanoria%2C+J.+%282021%29.+Safe+food+preparation++practices+of+food+establishments+in+Catarman%2C+Northern+Samar%2C+Philippines

Pascual, P. A. L., Olobia, L. P., Ludevese-Pascual, G., & Abenis, N. F. L. D. (2019). Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) on food safety among food handlers in school canteens in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology, 7(1), 58–67. https://doi.org/10.61569/54dc5s05 DOI: https://doi.org/10.61569/54dc5s05

Perez, A. M., & Manzano, A. I. (2017). Food safety and sanitary practices of selected hotels in Batangas Province, Philippines: Basis of proposed enhancement measures. Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 5(1), 111–121. https://www.apjmr.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/APJMR-2017.5.1.14.pdf

Philippine Statistics Authority. (2025, August 1). Highlights of the Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) population 2024 Census of Population (2024 POPCEN). https://psa.gov.ph/content/highlights-region-viii-eastern-visayas-population-2024-census-population-2024-popcen

Republic of the Philippines. (2013). Republic Act No. 10611: Food Safety Act of 2013. https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2013/ra_10611_2013.html

Research Publish Journals. (2022). The effectiveness of FoodSHAP training in sustaining food safety and sanitation practices in Philippine restaurants. International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, 7(3), 45–52. https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/the-effectiveness-of-the-food-safety-and-hygiene-academy-of-philippine-foodshap-training-to-food-service-businesses-owned-by-de-la-salle-university-dasmarias-students-and-alumni

Respecio, K. H. P., Alcalá, K. M., & Babor, J. A. (2026). Levels of awareness, understanding, and attitudes of cooked and prepared food stall owners on food safety and sanitation practices in Centro Ormoc Food Park. Journal for the Advancement of Sustainable Development Goals, 1(3). https://jasdg.com/index.php/jasdg/article/view/88

Sansom, R. (2021, March 9). Theory of Planned Behavior. Accelerating Systemic Change Network. https://doi.org/10.67165/b2rd9w8j DOI: https://doi.org/10.67165/b2rd9w8j

Shane, G., Blanca, D. C., et al. (2025). Food safety practices and attitudes of food handlers in eateries at Marikina City: Basis for information campaign. Journal of Public Health and Food Safety, 9(1), 12–25. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/393168533_Food_Safety_Practices_and_Attitudes_of_Food_Handlers_in_Eateries_at_Marikina_City_Basis_for_information_campaign

World Health Organization. (2026a). Foodborne disease estimates 2021: Deaths, DALYs, illnesses, YLDs by cause, age, by country and by region, 2000–2021. https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/topics/foodborne-diseases-estimates

World Health Organization. (2026b, February 12). Beyond the plate: How multisectoral collaboration is advancing food safety in the Philippines. WHO Western Pacific. https://www.who.int/westernpacific/newsroom/feature-stories/item/beyond-the-plate--how-multisectoral-collaboration-is-advancing-food-safety-in-the-philippines

World Health Organization. (2026c, June 4). Food safety. https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/food-safety

Yurii, B., & Schuka, G. (2024). Food safety in the restaurant industry. Economy, Finances, Management: Topical Issues of Science and Practical Activity, 2024(2), 71–78. https://doi.org/10.37128/2411-4413-2024-2-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37128/2411-4413-2024-2-7

Downloads

Published

2026-10-11

How to Cite

Pedericos, J. M. C., Villanueva, L. C., Uy, G. S., Segovia, R. P., Pedericos, N. L. C., Manchera, B. J. G., Luena, L. A., Lucero, V. M., Jayag, V. N. S., Civico, M. P., Camus, E. J., Bersabal, K. A., Bautista, K. D. J., Avestruz, M. D., Amante, G. A., Madrazo, J. M., & Babor, J. A. (2026). Level of Awareness and Constraints of Service Crews and Managerial Support on Food Safety and Sanitation Enhancement. International Journal of Sustainable and Integrated Studies, 1(3), 388-394. https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsis.V1.I3.178

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Similar Articles

31-40 of 229

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.