EPICUREAN ETHICS: HEALTH BELIEF MODEL ANALYSIS OF FOOD HANDLERS IN PETRA CITY'S FIVE-STAR HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Abstract

The global food paradox presents a pressing challenge, with a need for efficient food production and consumption on one hand, and growing concerns about food safety and public health on the other. This paradox has often resulted in suboptimal management, leading to foodborne outbreaks, particularly in low to medium-income countries. The Middle East, including Jordan, has witnessed several cases of foodborne diseases, with Salmonella infections being a significant contributor to foodborne outbreaks.

One critical obstacle in addressing food safety is the ever-present risk of food hazards at various stages of the food supply chain. Food handlers, due to their direct and continuous contact with food, are identified as a primary source of these hazards. As a result, controlling foodborne illnesses necessitates a focus on food handlers.

This study shines a spotlight on food handlers by examining the behavioral aspects of their practices. It delves into the practices of food handlers employed in five-star hotels in Petra, Jordan. These hotels, despite their role in catering services and their potential for contributing to foodborne illnesses, are a vital part of the tourism industry, which significantly contributes to a country's economic development