A Review of the Implication and Importance of Training-Based Approaches in Food Safety Management Systems

Background: The aim of the present review was to evaluate the effectiveness of training-based approaches, strategies, and methods in implementing one of the basic regulations of the food safety (FS) industry: Food Safety Management Systems (FSMSs). Methods: We searched for FS training approaches in food institutions in nine databases, and out of 500 studies, 141 were included. Results: Some studies discussed different training methods and theories, such as Behavior-Change Theories (BCTs), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), social cognitive models, Tones' Health Action Model (THAM), the Health Belief Model (HBM), the Trans-Theoretical Model (TTM), the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), and the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA). Of the other studies that assessed changes in knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) and training of food handlers (FH) in the field of FS, most of them agreed that training can enhance the KAP of FH, whereas some pointed to the ineffectiveness of training methods on KAP of FH due to training methods and materials. Conclusion: Therefore, as a primary consequence, it can be concluded that FS training in any method and any aspect can be helpful in enhancing FS in food establishments.