Triangulation: Effective verification of food safety and quality management systems and associated organisational culture

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critique the existing and emerging alternative approaches being used by regulators and industry to verify the presence and efficacy of food safety management systems (FSMS). It is the second 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, primarily focused on UK examples, examines academic and grey literature to consider the options for effective verification of FSMS with emphasis on the hospitality sector including the use of triangulation.

Findings

Third-party certification (TPC) compliance audits alone will not deliver effective verification of the FSMS and the cultural context of how formal systems are implemented, monitored and internally verified. Triangulation needs to be undertaken during the FSMS verification process which at its simplest is a Question, Observe, Measure (QOM) triad and at its more complex involves TPC compliance audits and performance assessment using data analysis methodology and product and environmental testing.

Originality/value

The paper will be of value to practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders involved in the hospitality industry.

Citation

Manning, L. (2018), "Triangulation: Effective verification of food safety and quality management systems and associated organisational culture", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 10 No. 3, pp. 297-312. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-02-2018-0009