Assessment of Consumers’ Attitudes Toward Food Safety and Hygiene in Food Service Establishments

Hello!

I am Paulina Makarovaitė, a student in the Food Safety master’s degree program at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. I am conducting a study entitled “Assessment of Cross-Contamination Risks and Employee Knowledge in Food Service Establishments.” The study is intended for people aged 18 and over who visit food service establishments (restaurants, cafés, etc.).

The aim of this questionnaire is to assess consumers’ attitudes toward cross-contamination and food safety in food service establishments. I assure you that the survey is anonymous and that the data collected will be used solely for academic purposes to analyze general trends. Responses will be processed in aggregate, and it will not be possible to identify individual participants. Participation is voluntary—you may stop completing the questionnaire at any time. Completing the questionnaire will take approximately 5–10 minutes.

I encourage you to answer honestly—your contribution is very important to the success of this study.

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

Results are available only to the author

2. Your gender: ✪

1. Your age: ✪

3. Your education: ✪

4. How often do you visit food service establishments (restaurants, cafeterias, 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 people with allergies?

8. Overall confidence in food safety and hygiene. The table below contains statements about confidence in food safety and hygiene in food service establishments. Select the response that most accurately reflects your opinion. There are no right or wrong answers—your personal assessment is what matters. ✪

Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagree
In my opinion, food service establishments follow appropriate hygiene standards.
When I visit a food service establishment, I feel confident about the safety of the food.
I believe that most food service establishments maintain food at appropriate temperatures.
I am confident that establishments ensure adequate employee hygiene.
I believe that food inspection authorities adequately supervise food service establishments.

9. Assessment of employee hygiene. The statements in this section relate to employee hygiene in food service establishments. Please select the response that best reflects your opinion. Your answers will not be evaluated as right or wrong—your personal opinion is what matters. ✪

Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagree
It is important to me that employees wear clean clothing.
Employees who look unclean reduce my confidence in food safety.
If I notice a kitchen employee not wearing gloves or a hair covering, I am less willing to eat at the establishment.
I believe employees should receive regular training in hygiene and food-handling rules.
I believe employees do not handle food while wearing jewelry or other accessories unsuitable for hygienic food handling.

10. Cleanliness of the environment and equipment maintenance. The statements below are intended to assess your views on the cleanliness of the environment and the maintenance of equipment in food service establishments. Please indicate how much you agree with each statement, based on your personal experience of visiting food service establishments. ✪

Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagree
The cleanliness of the dining area is one of the most important factors in my choice.
I believe that cleanliness and order are also maintained in the kitchen.
If I notice dirty tables or dining utensils, I have doubts about the establishment’s hygiene.
A well-maintained environment increases my confidence in the establishment.
Hygiene ratings or certificates help me decide whether to visit an establishment.

11. Personal behavior and experience. Below are statements intended to assess your personal behavior and experiences when visiting food service establishments. Please indicate how well each statement reflects your personal experience and behavior. ✪

Strongly agreeAgreeNeither agree nor disagreeDisagreeStrongly disagree
I have noticed hygiene violations in food service establishments.
I have avoided returning to a particular establishment because of poor hygiene.
I believe that hygiene in food service establishments directly influences my choices.
If I notice hygiene deficiencies, I am inclined to report them to the staff or management.
My confidence is influenced more by personal experience than by official ratings.