Assessment of Consumers' Perceptions of Food Safety and Hygiene in Public Catering Establishments

Hello!

I am Paulina Makarovaitė, a student in the Master's program in Food Safety at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. I am conducting a study on the topic "Assessment of Cross-Contamination Risks and Employees' Knowledge in Public Catering Establishments". The study is intended for individuals aged 18 and older who visit public catering establishments (restaurants, cafes, etc.).

The purpose of the survey is to assess consumers' views on cross-contamination and food safety in public catering establishments. I assure you that the survey is anonymous, and the collected data will be used only for academic purposes, analyzing general trends. Responses will be processed collectively, and it will not be possible to identify individual participants. Participation is voluntary—you can discontinue filling out the survey at any time. Completing the survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes.

I warmly invite you to respond sincerely—your contribution is very important for the success of this study.

If you have any questions, you can contact me via email: [email protected]. Thank you in advance for your time and responses!

ውጤቶች ለባለቤት ብቻ ይታይ

1. Your age: ✪

2. Your gender: ✪

3. Your education level: ✪

4. How often do you visit public catering establishments (restaurants, canteens, etc.)? ✪

5. How do you understand cross-contamination? (choose the correct definition)

6. Do you think cross-contamination can cause food poisoning?

7. Can cross-contamination be dangerous for allergic individuals?

8. Overall trust in food safety and hygiene. Below you will find statements about trust in food safety and hygiene in public catering establishments. Please mark the answer option that most accurately reflects your opinion. There are no right or wrong answers – your personal assessment is important. ✪

Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagree
In my opinion, appropriate hygiene standards are followed in public catering establishments.
When visiting a catering establishment, I feel safe about the quality of food.
I believe that most catering establishments ensure proper food storage temperatures.
I am confident that establishments ensure adequate employee hygiene.
I believe that food control authorities properly supervise catering establishments.

9. Evaluation of employee hygiene. This section presents statements related to employee hygiene in public catering establishments. Please indicate the answer that best represents your viewpoint. The correctness of answers is not evaluated – your personal opinion is important. ✪

Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagree
It is important to me that employees wear clean clothing.
Employees who look unkempt reduce my trust in food safety.
Noticing that kitchen staff do not wear gloves or hairnets decreases my desire to eat at the establishment.
I believe that employees should be regularly trained in hygiene and food handling rules.
I believe employees do not work with food while wearing jewelry or other hygiene-inappropriate accessories.

10. Cleanliness of the environment and maintenance of equipment. Below are statements aimed at evaluating your opinion on the cleanliness of the environment and maintenance of equipment in catering establishments. Please assess how much you agree with each statement based on your personal experience visiting catering establishments. ✪

Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagree
Cleanliness of the dining area is one of my most important selection criteria.
I believe that cleanliness and order are also maintained in the kitchen.
Noticing dirty tables or utensils makes me doubt the hygiene of the establishment.
A well-maintained environment increases my trust in the establishment.
Hygiene ratings or certificates help me decide whether it's worth visiting the establishment.

11. Personal behavior and experience. Below you will find statements aimed at assessing your personal behavior and experience when visiting catering establishments. Please mark how much each statement reflects your personal experience and behavior. ✪

Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagree
I have noticed hygiene violations in public catering establishments.
Due to poor hygiene, I have avoided returning to certain establishments.
I believe hygiene in catering establishments directly influences my choices.
If I notice hygiene deficiencies, I am inclined to report them to the staff or management.
My trust is mostly determined by personal experience rather than official ratings.