Analysis of Health and Safety Compliance Standards among Food Service Providers at the University of Eastern Philippines

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the level of compliance with health and safety standards among food service establishments operating within the University of Eastern Philippines, as perceived by selected respondents. Specifically, the study assessed compliance in three key areas: physical controls, administrative controls, and additional safety protocols. The study employed a descriptive research design. It is descriptive as it documents the various types of food services operating in the university. Additionally, it describes respondents’ perceptions of the level of compliance of food service centers in the university with health and safety standards. Data were gathered using validated survey questionnaires administered to three key sectors of the UEP academic community—students, faculty members, and non-teaching personnel. The findings of the study revealed the UEP academic community, composed of students, faculty members, and non-teaching employees, were very much aware and would patronize street-vended foods, school-operated canteens/food services, school-managed food courts, and privately owned carenderias or eateries. As to the compliance with health and safety standards, the respondents perceived that food establishments were highly compliant in terms of physical controls, administrative controls, and additional protocols. This implies a critical need for the institutionalization and strict enforcement of food safety and nutrition standards across all types of food providers—including street vendors, school-operated canteens, and privately-owned eateries.