Aims and objectives

The aim of this research was to identify strategies, challenges and outcomes in the development and implementation of national food control systems across multiple countries. This aim was met by the achievement of the five identified objectives which link directly with the design and implementation of an effective and appropriate research methodology. Research methods and tools were selected to ensure objectives identified, as a result of a review of the literature, were met.

The objectives were as follows;

1. To recruit key individuals from multiple countries involved in the development

and implementation of food control at government level to take part in research phases

2. To analyse existing literature relevant to the development and implementation

of national food control systems

3. To undertake in depth qualitative interviews generating data about the

challenges and outcomes in development and implementation of national food control systems in a range of countries

4. To distribute a questionnaire generating data about the challenges and

outcomes in development and implementation of national food control systems in a range of countries

5. To analyse data and identify findings regarding the challenges and outcomes

in the development and implementation of national food control systems across multiple countries.

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Below an account of completion of each objective is provided with reference to the work presented in previous chapters of this research thesis.

5.1.1 Objective one

Participants involved in the development and implementation of food control in government or equivalent were recruited from multiple countries to take part in research. This provided unique insights into food control systems by bringing together the thoughts and experiences of key individuals from a wide range of countries. This perspective has not been provided previously by any other research in the field.

5.1.2 Objective two

Chapter one of this thesis provided an extensive review of the literature in this field. This included peer reviewed research in the areas of HACCP, HACCP uptake, HACCP barriers and food control as well as a review of international guidance. The literature review led to the following conclusions;

 Food control and HACCP are challenging, HACCP implementation is often low

and that some industry sectors require simplified versions and lots of support.

 Policy makers worldwide experience a range of challenges when updating

national food control system.

 There is a lack of quality in-depth research in the area of food control and

national HACCP strategy development and implementation, particularly bringing together experience from multiple countries.

5.1.3 Objective three

In-depth qualitative interviews were undertaken in phase one of this research. These interviews were designed to generate data about the challenges and outcomes in development and implementation of national food control systems

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in a range of countries. The details of the methodology for this phase of the research are presented in chapter 2.

5.1.4 Objective four

A questionnaire was distributed in phase two of this research. This questionnaire was designed to generate data about the challenges and outcomes in development and implementation of national food control systems in a range of countries. The details of the methodology for this phase of the research are presented in chapter 2.

5.1.5 Objective five

Chapter five presents an analysis of the data and identifies nineteen findings relating to strategies, challenges and outcomes in the development and implementation of national food control systems across multiple countries. These findings are;

Across the three phases of research findings emerged which have been grouped under four headings.

Findings relating to strategy;

1. Governments encounter common challenges

2. Both governments and businesses implement HACCP primarily to increase

trade

3. HACCP is a significant challenge for governments and businesses

4. Governments recommend engagement with a range of stakeholders

5. Government recommend targeted support for SLDBs

6. Governments recommend simplified methods of HACCP for SLDBs

Findings relating to challenges in government;

7. Poor government structure for food control

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9. A lack of management commitment at government level

10.A lack of knowledge, expertise and experience in government

Findings relating to challenges in industry;

11.A shortage of HACCP knowledge, expertise and experience in industry

12.A shortage of appropriate and accurate advice and guidance for businesses

13.Poor levels of basic food hygiene in some businesses

14. Inaccurate perceptions of the costs and benefits of HACCP

15.A lack of management commitment in business

16.A proportion of businesses have HACCP on paper but not implemented in

practice

17. Low levels of literacy and use of multiple languages amongst those working

in the food industry 18.Poor infrastructure

19.Government recognise a high proportion of the challenges business

experience

Findings relating to outcomes;

20.Governments undertake a range of activities to prepare for and improve

HACCP implementation nationally.

5.2 Recommendations to government

The findings of this research provide information of relevance to those involved in the food control activities. The findings will inform others as to strategies adopted by other governments, the challenges experienced and the outcomes of food control activities. The findings have been used to create a framework for more effective food control which includes key activities and key characteristics, see figure 10.