Redesigning Food Handler Training: A Gamified Approach Tested in Italy's Large-Scale Retail

Foodborne diseases remain a major global health issue, with over 250 illnesses linked to contaminated food. Effective food safety management relies on well-trained handlers; however, traditional classroom-based, passive learning often lacks engagement and efficacy, limiting awareness and hindering the development of a strong food safety culture. Gamification offers a promising alternative for vocational training, enhancing motivation and engagement through interactive, emotionally engaging learning experiences. This study aims to evaluate the user's perception of a gamification-based training system (Food Safety Trainer, FST web app) developed and implemented for the training of food handlers in a large-scale retail company in Tuscany, Italy. A total of 249 employees completed a survey after using FST web app for their annual training. Seniority was used as the primary variable to assess differences among respondents. Although some slight variations in opinion emerged, the results indicate that the web app was generally more appreciated than traditional learning. Gamification demonstrated great potential as a tool for enhancing engagement, promoting team building, and supporting the development of a food safety culture. Future studies could extend the evaluation beyond user perception by assessing the system's effectiveness, comparing outcomes and performance through specific indicators.