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. 2022 Sep 1;11(17):2657. doi: 10.3390/foods11172657
PRODUCT INTEGRITY
Product integrity means that a food product is safe for human consumption, of quality, genuine, with pure and non-adulterated ingredients from recognized and true origins (e.g., product components are not substituted or diluted with cheaper ingredients of lower value or from non-declared origins).
Strongly disagree Disagree Not agree nor disagree Agree Strongly agree
Q1 In my company, leaders set clear objectives and goals on how to achieve product integrity (e.g., leaders give precise tasks and deadlines to employees to deliver products as required by industry standards and according to the company’s recipes). 1 2 3 4 5
Q2 In my company, there is unclear communication with employees on how to achieve product integrity (e.g., employees’ questions about product requirements, composition and recipes are often badly answered). 1 2 3 4 5
Q3 In my company, the importance of product integrity is recognized (e.g., leaders and employees’ main priority is to meet high product standards and fulfill customer requirements). 1 2 3 4 5
Q4 In my company, leaders and employees are aware of the hazards and threats related to product integrity (e.g., ingredients adulteration or contamination and product counterfeit or imitation are avoided). 1 2 3 4 5
Q5 In my company, the necessary resources are available to achieve product integrity (e.g., good selection of suppliers and raw materials, trained staff and sufficient time to work and perform controls are guaranteed). 1 2 3 4 5
PROCESS INTEGRITY
Process integrity means that a food product is produced using controlled and regular methods of production, where processes are well executed and assurance standards for food, packaging, hygiene, labor, animal and plant health are followed.
Strongly disagree Disagree Not agree nor disagree Agree Strongly agree
Q6 In my company, leaders have clear expectations on how to achieve process integrity (e.g., leaders require and trust employees to perform processes according to instructions and standard operating procedures). 1 2 3 4 5
Q7 In my company, there is clear communication with employees on how to achieve process integrity (e.g., employees understand well leaders’ explanations on how to execute and supervise all the steps of product processing). 1 2 3 4 5
Q8 In my company, leaders and employees act properly and constructively to solve issues that affect process integrity (e.g., leaders are prepared to face emergencies; employees are ready to correct incidents or non-compliances on the production line). 1 2 3 4 5
Q9 In my company, leaders and employees are aware of the hazards and threats related to process integrity (e.g., equipment, production line and processing methods are kept under control). 1 2 3 4 5
Q10 In my company, the necessary resources are not always available to achieve process integrity (e.g., equipment, replacement parts, workspaces and systems for production and process monitoring are not sufficient or inappropriate). 1 2 3 4 5
PEOPLE INTEGRITY
People integrity means that the people working in a company behave honestly and have ethical beliefs and attitudes (e.g., leaders and employees carefully respect rules and comply with high standards).
Strongly disagree Disagree Not agree nor disagree Agree Strongly agree
Q11 In my company, leaders aim to continuously improve people’ integrity (e.g., leaders motivate, involve and listen to employees’ concerns and suggestions, behave ethically and lead as role models). 1 2 3 4 5
Q12 In my company, the importance of people integrity and ethical behavior is communicated (e.g., employees are encouraged to discuss openly and honestly with leaders and colleagues). 1 2 3 4 5
Q13 In my company, working to improve people integrity by behaving ethically is not recognized or rewarded (e.g., incentives or positive feedback are not given to employees; dishonest behavior is often ignored or tolerated). 1 2 3 4 5
Q14 In my company, people integrity is fostered by being careful, alert and attentive to potential hazards and threats (e.g., employees care about each other’s well-being; leaders respect employees’ rights and take customers’ health seriously). 1 2 3 4 5
Q15 In my company, sufficient investments are made to improve people integrity (e.g., good working conditions, ethical code of conduct, conflict mediation service, employees’ training are offered; differences between people and diversity are respected). 1 2 3 4 5
DATA INTEGRITY
Data integrity means that all the information regarding a food product is true and accurate, including regular health certifications, valid import documents and correct product labeling, such as ingredient list, nutritional and technical specifications, origins and expiry dates.
Strongly disagree Disagree Not agree nor disagree Agree Strongly agree
Q16 In my company, leaders aim to continuously improve the level of data integrity (e.g., leaders always verify the quality of the data they receive from suppliers and make sure that food products are delivered as promised in the label and advertisements). 1 2 3 4 5
Q17 My company communicates badly on the importance of data integrity (e.g., employees receive insufficient written guidelines or receive unclear oral directions on how to prepare, verify and record precise product information). 1 2 3 4 5
Q18 In my company, leaders are committed to data integrity by setting a good example (e.g., leaders supervise and participate in work activities ensuring that labels match product properties and product information is recorded and provided correctly). 1 2 3 4 5
Q19 In my company, leaders and employees have a realistic picture of hazards and threats related to data integrity (e.g., false documents, invalid statistics or figures, irregular certificates and incorrect labeling are avoided). 1 2 3 4 5
Q20 In my company, sufficient investments are made to achieve data integrity (e.g., specific instructions and procedures, good tracking and tracing software, product registration databases and data recording programs are available). 1 2 3 4 5