Evaluation of Consumers' Attitudes Towards Food Safety and Hygiene in Public Catering Establishments

Hello!

I am Paulina Makarovaitė, a student of 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 aimed at individuals aged 18 and older who visit public catering establishments (restaurants, cafes, etc.).

The purpose of the questionnaire is to evaluate consumers' attitudes toward 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 to analyze general trends. Responses will be processed in summary form, and individual participants will not be identifiable. Participation is voluntary - you can discontinue completing the questionnaire at any time. Filling out the questionnaire will take about 5-10 minutes.

I warmly invite you to answer sincerely - your contribution is vital 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!

Ibisubizo biraboneka gusa ku mwanditsi

2. Your gender: ✪

1. Your age: ✪

3. Your education: ✪

4. How often do you visit public catering 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 allergic individuals?

8. General trust in food safety and hygiene. Below are statements regarding trust in food safety and hygiene in public catering establishments. Please mark the response option that best reflects your opinion. There are no right or wrong answers - your personal assessment is important. ✪

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

9. Evaluation of employee hygiene. This section contains statements related to employee hygiene in public catering establishments. Please mark the answer that best reflects your opinion. 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 appear unclean lower my trust in food safety.
Noticing that a kitchen employee is not wearing gloves or a hairnet decreases my desire to eat at the establishment.
I believe employees should be regularly trained in hygiene and food handling rules.
I trust that employees do not handle food while wearing jewelry or other unsuitable hygiene accessories.

10. Cleanliness of the environment and maintenance of equipment. The following statements are designed to assess your views on the cleanliness of the catering establishment environment and the maintenance of equipment. When answering, evaluate how much you agree with each statement based on your personal experience in catering establishments. ✪

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

11. Personal behavior and experience. Below are statements designed to assess your personal behavior and experience when visiting catering establishments. Please mark how well 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 a certain establishment.
I believe that hygiene in catering establishments directly influences my choice.
If I notice hygiene deficiencies, I am inclined to inform the staff or management.
My trust is mostly influenced by personal experience rather than official ratings.