The relationship of knowledge, attitudes, and perceived threat to self-reported compliance with food safety practices among restaurant employees in a western New York restaurant

The purpose of the current research study was to investigate the relationship of knowledge, attitudes, and perceived threat to self-reported compliance with food safety practices among employees at a western New York restaurant. Rosenstock, Hochbaum, Leventhal, and Kegeles (1952) health belief model formed the theoretical framework for the current study. A food safety questionnaire modified by the researcher from Manning and Snider (1993) was administered to a convenience sample of 88 individuals. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference shown between the compliant and non-compliant groups regarding knowledge of food safety practices. Both groups were lacking in food safety knowledge. Data did not support the expectation that the compliant group would have more positive attitudes toward food safety practices and those individuals with a higher perceived threat to foodborne illness would more likely comply with food safety practices.