Food handling and food quality management among local restaurants in a higher education institution: Input to policy recommendation

Food is considered to be the ultimate source of energy and the maintenance of quality life. For higher education learners, food is not just anything that supports their physical needs. More often, their foods affect their learning and social being. Hence, good quality and proper handling of foods is paramount to this philosophy. This descriptive study was conducted to assess the food handling and food quality management in Isabela State University system with the end view of developing a manual of operation. The study was mostly participated by young and female students. In terms of food handling management, the study revealed that local restaurants in the university are clean, with proper systems of purchasing, preparation and storage of foods including the disposal of food waste. Moreover, as to quality of foods, the respondents shared that local restaurants promote healthy foods and drinks through selling of fresh fruits and vegetable and preparing newly cooked foods every day. It is therefore recommended the University may conduct regular assessment among local restaurants in the university to ensure that best practices are retained.