FOOD SAFETY AND HYGIENE MANAGEMENT: POST-COVID STANDARDS AND CONSUMER EXPECTATIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered public health priorities, with
food safety and hygiene emerging as critical concerns in the hospitality
industry. This research examines the evolving standards of food safety
management and how these shifts have influenced consumer expectations in
a
post-pandemic world. Drawing on responses from 285 hospitality
consumers and 65 food service professionals across India, the study
investigates awareness levels, perceived hygiene practices, and trust factors
affecting dining decisions. The research further evaluates the implementation
of new safety protocols such as contactless dining, enhanced sanitation,
employee health monitoring, and digital menus. Findings indicate a marked
increase in customer sensitivity toward hygiene ratings, transparent kitchen
operations, and visible cleaning practices. Moreover, food safety has
transitioned from being a back-of-house function to a front-facing branding
tool. The study concludes by highlighting the need for hospitality
establishments to maintain rigorous hygiene standards, train staff regularly,
and communicate safety efforts clearly to reassure customers. These findings
provide valuable insights for hospitality operators aiming to align operational
practices with heightened consumer expectations in a post-COVID landscape.