Food Safety and Sanitation Strategies in Filipino Restaurants: A Study in Mandaluyong City, Philippines

Food safety and sanitation are essential for protecting public health and maintaining consumer confidence in the restaurant industry. In Filipino restaurants, maintaining consistent hygiene and safe food handling practices can be challenging due to high customer demand, varied operational procedures, and staff workload. Examining these practices from both managerial and employee perspectives is critical to identify gaps and improve compliance. This study investigated food safety and sanitation strategies in selected Filipino restaurants in Mandaluyong City, Philippines, using a mixed-methods design. One hundred purposively selected respondents (25 managers and 75 employees) participated. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires using a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using percentages, weighted means, and t-tests to identify significant differences between employee and manager assessments. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews to explore perceptions, challenges, and experiences related to food safety and sanitation. Findings reveal that overall food safety and sanitation practices were moderately implemented, with a composite weighted mean of 2.53, indicating partial but inconsistent adherence. Measures such as waste management, temperature control, and prevention of cross-contamination were most consistently applied, while hygiene compliance, food presentation, and time–temperature monitoring were less consistently observed. Sanitation strategies emphasized personal hygiene, but structured cleaning schedules and clearly documented procedures were weaker areas. The t-test confirmed a significant difference between employee and manager assessments, reflecting varying perceptions of compliance. Although problems encountered were generally minimal, inconsistent adherence to hygiene protocols was the most frequently noted concern. The study concludes that while key food safety and sanitation practices exist, their application is inconsistent across establishments. Strengthening standardized procedures, monitoring, training, and communication is recommended to improve compliance, operational efficiency, and overall food safety in Filipino restaurants.