Drivers for the implementation of market‐based food safety management systems: Evidence from Lebanon

Abstract

The food safety landscape continues to evolve across time, geography, and supply chains. This research seeks to analyze the determinants of market‐based food safety management systems (FSMSs) implementation in the Middle Eastern context. Primary data were collected from food safety managers representing 94 processors across Lebanon. We found food processors having implemented ISO 22000 (50%), HACCP (40%), and ISO 9001 (25.5%); however, none of the processors implemented industry‐based FSMSs. Although ISO 22000 was mostly implemented by large (85%) and medium (67%) processors, the uptake of ISO 22000 by small processors has picked up (29%). Economic incentives (market orientation) and firm‐specific factors (organizational readiness, product/process characteristics, company size, and ownership structure) are the key drivers for the increased implementation of market‐based FSMSs. Predominantly export‐oriented processors had the odds of implementing ISO 22000 5.5 times more than the domestically oriented processors. Firms with a quality assurance (QA) unit had 15 times higher chance of implementing ISO 22000 than otherwise. Finally, processors engaged in fresh produce had 4.9 times higher chance of implementing ISO 22000 than those engaged in dry goods. The study establishes that the dominance of public‐based FSMSs in the governance of food safety is a strategic choice (economic incentives) more than statutory requirements.

ISO Standards: A Platform for Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2

“…In general, the most emphasis is placed on ISO 22000 and many studies concluded that adoption is more challenging and less likely in small companies [59,60]. Small scale producers are in general less likely to seek ISO certification, which is in part attributed to 'organisational readiness' of small producers [59,61], cost [59,62], and lack of knowledge [62]. However, studies also show that even in the context of small scale producers, ISO standards can serve as a springboard of adoption of multiple productivity enhancing principles-such as lean or requirements of multiple standards [63].…”

“…Based on a review of the literature, Panghal, Chhikara, Sindhu and Jaglan [69] conclude that "ISO 22000 along with its sister standards are auditable, reliable, and reasonable to ensure safe production, distribution, and consumption of food." Salim, Padfield, Chew, Syayuti, Papargyropoulou and Mun Hou [62] assert that the standards have a greater positive impact on larger firms, as smaller firms benefit less due to high implementation cost and lack of knowledge about the requirements of the standards. Păunescu, Argatu and Lungu [64] propose that the main impact is in terms of provision of safer products by reduction of illnesses and other risks.…”

Performance of Reverse Logistics in Electronic Commerce: A Case Study From Lebanon and Syria

“…Lebanon is considered as a crucial member and commercial partner for the European Union after signing the Euro-Mediterranean agreement in partnership. Therefore, Lebanon offers a stimulating point to gain a better understanding of e-commerce in the Middle East region (Abebe et al 2020). Lebanon has several bilateral and regional trade agreements with the European Union, including the Euro-Mediterranean partnership.…”

Implementação e avaliação econômica de ferramentas de gestão de qualidade em uma unidade de alimentação e nutrição

“…Um estudo na Polônia descreve que a aplicação de um sistema de modelo baseado principalmente na aderência rígida a protocolos de gerenciamento de qualidade em algumas empresas de alimentos de tamanho pequeno a médio pode ser prejudicial em comparação a várias soluções práticas, com foco na simplificação de algumas áreas do sistema, como diagramas de fluxo, análise de perigos, procedimentos e registros documentados e aplicação de manual de BPFs (Dzwolak, 2014). No Líbano, a maioria das empresas de alimentos são pequenas e médias e somente em 27% das pequenas são implementadas BPFs em comparação a 69% de BPFs em empresas consideradas grandes (Abebe, et al, 2020). Particularmente, problemas nas atividades de identificação e avaliação de perigos podem ocorrer quando há uma falta significativa de pessoal treinado em APPCC e / ou altamente treinado em APPCC, por exemplo, este fato ocorre na Sérvia na inspeção de alimentos de origem animal (Tomašević and Đekić, 2017).…”

“…qualidade, mas bem menos relevante em comparação com o custo da não conformidade(ABEBE et al, 2020) e ainda há necessidade de treinamento e adesão constante dos colaboradores ao sistema(CUSATO et al, 2013). A qualidade não custa dinheiro e sim gera benefícios.…”