SOUTH AFRICA – Roman’s Pizza, a prominent pizza chain, is looking into a situation caught on video where an employee was seen wiping pizza grease or residue from a box and then returning it to the inventory.
The employee’s actions assume that her cleaning the used box will result in them reusing it for a new order. The incident has generated considerable outrage, with many people questioning whether this issue has been ongoing for a while or if it was already known to the management.
After reviewing the video, it became evident that the franchised branch in Daveyton at Mayfield Square Shopping Centre had not run out of packaging boxes. Regardless, such a shortage should never happen, leading employees to resort to reusing discarded packaging.
The QSR said it will take swift action to address any non-compliance with standards. “We are taking this matter extremely seriously and have launched a thorough investigation into the incident. We will leave no box unturned to ensure that our high standards are upheld,” it added.
Roman’s Pizza has distant itself with the incident saying the actions of the employees in the video does not reflect the standard practices of the organisation.
The development has happened at a time when there is an urgent call for vigilance by parents and caregivers in the country due to a significant rise in food poisoning cases.
It is also unclear the if the towel she used in the cleaning the box was even clean or there is a possibility of cross-contamination of any allergens.
Using Roman’s Pizza incident as a reference point for the industry, it is important for companies to foster food safety culture. Food safety culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, and behaviors within an organization or community that prioritize and promote the importance of food safety.
It goes beyond simply implementing food safety protocols and procedures; instead, it emphasizes the integration of a safety mindset into the everyday practices and attitudes of individuals involved in the food industry.
A strong culture of food safety involves a commitment from everyone within an organization, from top-level management to frontline workers, to prioritize and uphold food safety standards. This includes focusing on cleanliness, hygiene, and adherence to established food safety regulations and guidelines.
By implementing stringent safety measures and protocols throughout the food production and distribution processes, companies can minimize the risk of contamination and ensure that the products reaching consumers are safe for consumption.
In addition, Companies that prioritize and invest in food safety practices demonstrate their commitment to delivering high-quality, safe products to consumers, in turn, building brand loyalty and a positive reputation.
Investing in a strong food safety culture is, therefore, a strategic business decision that safeguards against potential reputational damage and enhances overall operational efficiency and sustainability.
