The shared attitudes, values and behaviours towards food safety within a food business.
It is the shared attitudes, values and behaviours towards food safety across everyone in a business, shaping how safely food is handled day to day.
Because systems, procedures and records only work if staff genuinely follow them, especially under pressure and when unsupervised.
Everyone contributes, but leaders, managers and the food safety supervisor set the tone through their example and expectations.
Through leadership commitment, clear communication, training, and making staff feel safe to raise concerns and stop unsafe practices.
It is recognised internationally, including in the Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene, and increasingly emphasised alongside documented controls in Australia.