How can you make food safety policies more accessible to consumers?

Food safety policies are essential to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses and ensure the quality and integrity of food products. However, many consumers may not be aware of the policies that affect their food choices, or how to access and understand them. In this article, we will explore some ways to make food safety policies more accessible to consumers, and why this is important for both public health and consumer trust.

1 Use plain language

One of the main barriers to accessing food safety policies is the complex and technical language that they often use. This can make them difficult to read and comprehend, especially for consumers who may not have a background in food science or law. To make food safety policies more accessible, it is important to use plain language that is clear, concise, and easy to follow. Plain language does not mean simplifying or omitting important information, but rather using common words, short sentences, and logical structure. It also means avoiding jargon, acronyms, and legal terms that may confuse or intimidate consumers.

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Bogdan Kupenko

Cluster F&B Director @ Accor | Hospitality Industry
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Based on my experience. I can confirm that customers really want to know whether the restaurants and hotels they use adhere to the standards of safe production of the products they consume. And so it is imperative to communicate with them in a language they understand. What really helps us is visualization on food labels or signs. For example, ECO, Organic, and so on. These are quite popular meanings all over the world, and customers immediately understand what we are talking about.

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2 Provide summaries and visuals

Another way to make food safety policies more accessible is to provide summaries and visuals that highlight the main points and implications of the policies. Summaries can help consumers get a quick overview of the policy objectives, scope, and requirements, without having to read through lengthy and detailed documents. Visuals, such as charts, graphs, diagrams, or icons, can help consumers visualize and remember the key information, such as the hazards, controls, or standards that the policies address. Summaries and visuals can also help consumers compare and contrast different policies, or identify gaps or inconsistencies that may affect their food choices.

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Bogdan Kupenko

Cluster F&B Director @ Accor | Hospitality Industry
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One of the most recent successful projects was implemented in a restaurant with numerous breakfast customers. With a buffet style of service. We started to display each of them in the form of an inscription on the total amount of food waste that was generated after customers took food and did not use it in full. This helped customers to choose food more responsibly and return to the buffet for another portion. And we as a business managed to reduce the amount of food waste, which is an important component of all environmental initiatives and food safety. And most importantly, through a simple visualization of the consequences, the buyer understands that he can influence the processes himself.

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3 Use multiple channels and formats

A third way to make food safety policies more accessible is to use multiple channels and formats to communicate and disseminate them. Different consumers may have different preferences and needs when it comes to accessing information, so it is important to offer a variety of options and platforms. For example, some consumers may prefer to access food safety policies online, through websites, social media, or apps, while others may prefer to access them offline, through print materials, posters, or brochures. Some consumers may prefer to access food safety policies in text format, while others may prefer to access them in audio or video format. By using multiple channels and formats, food safety policies can reach a wider and more diverse audience, and cater to different learning styles and accessibility needs.

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Bogdan Kupenko

Cluster F&B Director @ Accor | Hospitality Industry
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Communication with the guest through various channels is the most important part. The teams do a titanic job of ensuring that all processes responsible for production safety. Customers need to know that before they even get a cup of coffee at the hotel bar. A tender for coffee beans was held, many tastings were held, all certifications were collected, professional equipment was purchased, which is regularly maintained, the employee who brews the coffee was selected, trained, all procedures for maintaining cleanliness, safety and production were completed, etc. And all of this can and should be shared with the customer. By evaluating all the way through, they can really understand that the product is safe. And he will be grateful for it.

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4 Engage and educate consumers

A fourth way to make food safety policies more accessible is to engage and educate consumers about the policies and their relevance to their food choices. Engaging consumers means inviting them to participate in the policy development, implementation, and evaluation processes, and soliciting their feedback and input. This can help consumers feel more involved and informed about the policies, and increase their trust and compliance. Educating consumers means providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand and apply the policies to their food choices, and raising their awareness and interest in food safety issues. This can help consumers make more informed and responsible decisions, and improve their food safety practices.

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5 Collaborate with stakeholders

A fifth way to make food safety policies more accessible is to collaborate with stakeholders who can help communicate and promote the policies to consumers. Stakeholders are the individuals or groups who have an interest or influence in the food safety system, such as food producers, processors, distributors, retailers, regulators, educators, or advocates. By collaborating with stakeholders, food safety policies can leverage their expertise, resources, and networks, and reach more consumers in a credible and effective way. Stakeholders can also help tailor and adapt the policies to the specific needs and contexts of different consumers, and address any challenges or barriers that may hinder their access or understanding.

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6 Evaluate and improve policies

A sixth way to make food safety policies more accessible is to evaluate and improve them based on the feedback and outcomes of the previous steps. Evaluating food safety policies means measuring and monitoring their impact and effectiveness, and identifying their strengths and weaknesses. This can help determine whether the policies are achieving their goals, and whether they are meeting the needs and expectations of consumers. Improving food safety policies means making adjustments and revisions based on the evaluation results, and incorporating new information and evidence. This can help ensure that the policies are up to date, relevant, and responsive to the changing food safety environment and consumer demands.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you make food safety policies more accessible to consumers?

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2

3

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1 Use plain language

2 Provide summaries and visuals

3 Use multiple channels and formats

4 Engage and educate consumers

5 Collaborate with stakeholders

6 Evaluate and improve policies

7 Here’s what else to consider

Food Science

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How can you make food safety policies more accessible to consumers?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Use plain language

2 Provide summaries and visuals

3 Use multiple channels and formats

4 Engage and educate consumers

5 Collaborate with stakeholders

6 Evaluate and improve policies

7 Here’s what else to consider

Food Science

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