The relationship of food safety culture elements: A serial mediation model

Nowadays, food safety culture (FS-culture) is widely acknowledged as a critical factor influencing food safety outcomes, prompting extensive research in this domain. Although previous studies have explored the elements and benefits of FS-culture, limited attention has been given to the relationship among these elements. This study aims to address this gap by examining the mediating role of communication, management systems and processes, and the work environment in the relationship between leadership and commitment - two key elements of FS-culture. A serial mediation model was tested using data from 471 food handlers across 37 Brazilian food service establishments. FS-culture was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire comprising 31 indicators, which evaluated five core elements: 1) leadership, 2) communication, 3) management systems and processes, 4) environment, and 5) commitment. Mediation analysis was conducted using PROCESS macro. The results suggest that leadership indirectly influences commitment and its effect is mediated through a sequential process involving communication, management systems and processes, and the work environment. Commitment is positively and directly affected by communication, management systems and processes, and the work environment. The serial mediation model illustrates the relationship between the investigated FS-culture elements, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach to fostering a strong FS-culture. Interventions aimed at improving FS-culture should prioritise leadership development, enhance communication strategies, implement robust management systems and processes, and cultivate a supportive work environment. Future research is warranted to explore the generalisability of these findings across diverse cultural and organisational contexts, providing a broader understanding of the mechanisms driving FS-culture in various settings.