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Evaluation of a Method for Assessing Food Contamination Based on a Shopping Mall Model
Marcin Niemcewicz1, Rafał Szelenberger1, Weronika Grabowska1
1Biohazard Prevention Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
This study integrated Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Threat Assessment and Critical Points (TACCP), and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to assess food safety risks in shopping malls. Findings revealed significant vulnerabilities, particularly in back-office access and personnel security, necessitating enhanced control measures.
Area of Science:
- Food Safety and Public Health
- Risk Management and Assessment
- Applied Security Studies
Background:
- Shopping malls present complex environments with potential food safety and security vulnerabilities.
- Existing assessment methods may not fully address intentional and unintentional contamination risks in public food service settings.
- Integrating multiple risk assessment frameworks can provide a more comprehensive evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel integrated methodology for assessing food safety vulnerabilities in shopping malls.
- To identify and quantify risks associated with intentional/unintentional contamination by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents.
- To propose a structured framework for enhancing food defense and safety in commercial facilities.
Main Methods:
- Integration of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Threat Assessment and Critical Points (TACCP), and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
- Conducting inspections across nine shopping centers in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Spain.
- Quantifying risk levels using FMEA parameters across key operational areas like food delivery, staff security, and product handling.
Main Results:
- Overall high to average risk scores were identified in the assessed shopping malls.
- Critical vulnerabilities were linked to back-office access, unauthorized personnel entry, and fraudulent inspection susceptibility.
- Infrastructural shortcomings, inadequate monitoring, and procedural gaps were observed as contributing factors to contamination risks.
Conclusions:
- The integrated methodology provides a structured, quantitative framework for identifying and prioritizing food safety hazards in public environments.
- Targeted countermeasures, including enhanced surveillance and access control, can significantly mitigate identified risks.
- This approach offers a promising framework for integrating food defense and safety assessments in high-density commercial facilities to strengthen public health protection.
