School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management

GROUP 5

Concept Paper

Identifying the Risk in Food Safety

BACKGROUND
Food safety refers to the protection of customers against different foodborne infections,

bacteria, and other health problems due to the exposure of food products to food hazards. There

are four primary food safety hazards that are needed to be considered to reduce the potential of

the widespread of foodborne illnesses in the food industry, and these are biological, chemical,

physical, and allergenic.

PROBLEM
Improper food handling could affect a person's health and could create foodborne

illnesses. These foodborne illnesses can take place when the food is contaminated by pathogenic

bacteria, viruses, or even parasites. An example would be salmonella, a common bacterial disease

which is caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, etc.. This type of disease is

considered as a Biological hazard which is a risk to the consumer. 3 common culprits when it

comes to foodborne illnesses or food poisoning are time & temperature abuse, cross

contamination, and poor personal hygiene of the one handling the food.
PURPOSE
A data released by the World Health Organization where there is an estimated at least 600

million individuals around the world suffering from foodborne illnesses as a result of consuming

contaminated food caused by improper food handling. Every year, at least 420,000 of these

individuals die. This shows that food safety is important and with the outcome of this study it will

help inform individuals on proper handling of food and know about the risks and hazards when it

comes to food safety.

Research Questions:
For this proposed study, we seek to answer the following questions:

1. Who will benefit from this study of identifying the risks in food safety

2. What are the outcomes and impacts of improper food handling to one's health? How can it

be prevented?

3. How do food establishments respond to food safety?

References:
Njunina, V. (2021, December 1). Food Safety Definition & Why is Food Safety Important.
FoodDocs. Retrieved May 28, 2022, from
https://www.fooddocs.com/post/why-is-food-safety-important
Rustia, A. S. (2021, January 16). Defining Risk in Food Safety in the Philippines. Current

Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal. Retrieved May 28, 2022, from

http://www.foodandnutritionjournal.org/volume9number1/defining-risk-in-food-safety-in

-the-philippines/

Salmonella infection - Symptoms and causes. (2022, April 29). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 28,

2022, from
 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/salmonella/symptoms-causes/syc-20355

329

SmartSense. (2018, September 25). The 4 Primary Food Safety Hazards and Preventing

Foodborne Illness. SmartSense Blog. Retrieved May 28, 2022, from

https://blog.smartsense.co/food-safety-education-month-hazards-prevention

TANG, A., & WONG, M. (2018, November 17). Hazard and Risk in Food Safety (Part I).

Centre for Food Safety. Retrieved May 28, 2022, from

https://www.cfs.gov.hk/english/multimedia/multimedia_pub/multimedia_pub_fsf_01_02.

html

Unilever Food Solutions. (2021). Food safety - hazards and culprits. Unilever Food Solutions.

Retrieved May 28, 2022, from

https://www.unileverfoodsolutions.ie/chef-inspiration/from-chefs-for-chefs/work-smart/f

ood-safety-hazards-and-culprits.html
 School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management

GROUP 5

Concept Paper

Sweeteners vs Sugar: Effects on Health

BACKGROUND
Sugar plays a vital role in the human body as it composes building components of

carbohydrates. Sugar varies from lactose in milk to fructose in fruits and honey. It exists in two

types of usually existing sugars like lactose as supplemental or "neutral" sugars like refined table

sugar (sucrose) and concentrated sources like fruit juice, honey, and syrups. It is also present in

different varieties of food such as grains, milk, fruits, and vegetables that provide energy in a

person's everyday life. It is also the source for several human tissues, such as the brain and red

blood cells, producing different nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

PROBLEM
Consumption of too much sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and tooth

decay. Excessive added sugar consumption can raise blood pressure and cause chronic

inflammation, both of which are pathological routes to heart disease. Excess sugar consumption,

particularly in sugary beverages, promotes weight gain by misleading your body's

appetite-control function into turning off since liquid calories are not as fulfilling as calories from

solid foods. That's why sugary beverages make it easier for people to raise their calorie intake. Dr.

Hu says that high blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes, and fatty liver disease are

all linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. A sugar substitute (artificial sweetener) is a
food additive that resembles the taste of sugar while containing less energy. Artificial sweeteners

have been shown in animal tests to cause weight gain, brain tumors, bladder cancer, and a variety

of other health problems.

PURPOSE
Both sweeteners and sugar are part of everyday life, but it is essential to identify the

components between sweeteners and sugar for health purposes. It is to break down the advantages

and disadvantages of each product. The study's outcome will help people choose what is best for

their health and body. To have an alternative of sugar that serves the same purpose but in a lower

health risk.

Research questions
For this proposed study, we seek to answer the following questions:

1. What are the health benefits of sugar?

2. What is the limit of sugar intake in our body?

3. Does sugar contain preservatives or other additives?

Artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 28, 2022,

from

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/artific

ial-sweeteners/art-20046936

Clifford, J., Maloney, K., & Anderson, J. (n.d.). Sugar and sweeteners - 9.301 - Extension. CSU

Extension. Retrieved May 28, 2022, from

https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/nutrition-food-safety-health/sugar-and-sweeten

ers-9-301/

Hughes, L. (2022, April 6). How Does Too Much Sugar Affect Your Body? WebMD. Retrieved

May 28, 2022, from

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/how-sugar-affects-your-body

Marengo, K., & Kandola, A. (2019, April 2). Why is sugar bad for you? 5 reasons. Medical

News Today. Retrieved May 28, 2022, from

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324854

Sugar. (n.d.). Better Health Channel. Retrieved May 28, 2022, from

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/sugar

The sweet danger of sugar. (2022, January 6). Harvard Health. Retrieved May 28, 2022, from

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar

Torrens, K. (2019, March 25). Why is sugar bad for you? BBC Good Food. Retrieved May 28,

2022, from https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/why-sugar-bad

GROUP 5

Concept Paper

Improper Food Safety Practices and Preparation of Small Business Handlers Resulting to

Great Income Losses in the Philippines

BACKGROUND
Small businesses are all self-made manufacturing units and services that function on a

small scale level of employees, less number of labor, and have less annual revenue than a

business of the norm. Back in 2020, going into the pandemic season straight ahead with no clear

path ahead of us besides the on and off quarantine regulations, many Filipinos have lost their

jobs and means of income. About one-third of the total Philippine workforce is engaged in

vulnerable employment. Vulnerable workers, namely contributing family workers and

own-account workers, tend to be paid less, enjoy little labor protection and are likely to be

exposed to occupational hazards. Vulnerable employment, as well as part-time employment, is

highly prevalent in sectors that are at medium to high risk of COVID-19-induced job disruption,

including transportation and storage, accommodation and food services, and wholesale and retail

trade (International Labour Organization, 2020). Fully relying on themselves to fend for their

families and pave the way for their lost careers, the majority of our countrymen decided to start

their own small food businesses to support themselves during these trying times.
PROBLEM
While it may have suffice for some Filipinos, others are still struggling in running the

operations of their own respective brainchild. Small food businesses may be the trend for

convenience and alternatives for fast food these days, yet it’s still evident in the way the food is

delivered in our homes, that safety and quality are very much absent. As studies were conducted

regarding these problems, the observed reports said that the food handlers at home inadequately

and inappropriately practiced the protocols in keeping the food safe to eat (Limon, 2021).

PURPOSE
Good food results in happy customers which leads to boost the employees’ self-esteem

regarding their service and a steady income for the time being. Yet, safety and security with the

food that an establishment produces and markets to the people gets stability in the food industry

in return. It’s time to prioritize long-term solutions over fast-paced ones that can lead a small

business to huge income losses in the future. Implementing cleanliness and discipline in the daily

routines of these small food businesses can minimize the risk of wasting money on a start-up,

and start building a foundation for quality food handlers and entrepreneurs.

Research Questions:
For this proposed study, we seek to answer the following questions:

1. What instruments and practices can be utilized to promote quality hygiene and

cleanliness in every small food business operation?

2. Rules and regulations are long established, yet it’s hardly adhered to by these starting

entrepreneurs. Should the LGUs start implementing more strict city ordinances in order

to not bring harm to the public’s health and safety?

food establishment?

References:

COVID-19 labour market impact in the Philippines. Ilo.org. (2022). Retrieved 30 May 2022,

from

https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---asia/---ro-bangkok/---ilo-manila/documents

/publication/wcms_762209.pdf

Ebo, J. (2022). Sustaining Food Security in the Philippines: A Time Series Analysis. Retrieved

30 May 2022, from

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321996254_Sustaining_Food_Security_in_the_

Philippines_A_Time_Series_Analysis

Limon, M. (2022). Food safety practices of food handlers at home engaged in online food

businesses during COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. Retrieved 30 May 2022, from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7903060/

Atif, W., & MacDonald, C. (2022). Food Service Inspection Capacity: Needs Assessment in a

Philippine Local Government Unit. Retrieved 30 May 2022, from

https://www.mdpi.com/2571-8800/4/3/39/html