Role Of Food Management Systems On Food Safety In 5-Star Rated Hotels In Nairobi City County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Ailments spread through food remains a common and persistent problem resulting in

considerable illness and occasional mortality. The hospitality industry faces a unique

set of risk management challenges as it strives to provide services and amenities that

guests demand for their travels. Food Safety is important for the wellbeing and safety of

hotel guests. In the recent past, there have been press reports of a number of cases

related to food borne illness and the increased visibility of such cases highlights food

safety in hotels. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the role of food safety

management systems on food safety in 5 star hotels in Nairobi City County. The

specific objectives were to; evaluate the application of standard food safety systems on

food safety in the 5-star hotels in Nairobi City County, determine the effect of

compliance to food safety system on food safety in the 5-star hotels in Nairobi City

County and establish the effect of implementation of food safety system on food safety

in the 5-star hotels in Nairobi City County. The study adopted cross-sectional survey

design. Nairobi City County has several classified hotels located conveniently and the

research surveyed 5-star hotels. Research instruments used include, questionnaires,

interview schedule and observation checklist. For this, food handlers and managers

were targeted. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and findings

presented in figures, tables, narrative and descriptive forms. Paired t-test results

established that there is statistically significant change in provision of safe food as a

result of applying food safety practices, complying with food safety procedures and

implementing food safety systems. Regression results showed that application of

standard food safety systems had a positive and statistically significant relationship

with food safety of hotels in Nairobi City County (β=.202, p = .012). It was also

established that compliance to food safety system had positive and statistically

significant relationship with food safety (β=.214, p = .000). Further, implementation of

food safety system had a positive and statistically significant relationship with

provision of safe food in Nairobi City County (β=.318, p = .001). From the study

findings, it was concluded that application of standard Food safety systems, compliance

to food safety system and implementation of food safety system impact the provision of

safe food in hotels. From the study findings, it was concluded that application of

standard Food safety systems, compliance to food safety system and implementation of

food safety system impact the provision of safe food in hotels. The study recommends

that regulatory agencies in Nairobi City County focus on a more proactive approach to

food safety compliance by records verification rather than product testing and

developments in food safety regulation based on HACCP principles spark a move

towards a more strict approach to food safety. While Hotels should observe proper food

safety handling procedures with close monitoring and supervision of the state of food

offered in hotels to ensure the safety of food.