Purpose: Given the importance of food wastes in households, the purpose was to identify the attitudes of young consumers towards the food sharing (FS) phenomenon in its cognitive, emotional and behavioral dimensions and to verify the reliability of the FAB (food sharing attitudes and behaviors) model, used as a research tool.Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted in 2021 using the computer assisted web interview (CAWI) method. The FAB model was based on the ABC (affect, behavior and cognition) model of attitudes, which includes three components: affect, behavior and cognition. Questions on the phenomenon of FS were scaled on a 5-point Likert scale. A total of 469 correctly completed forms were obtained. To assess the reliability of the FAB model the Cronbach’s alpha was used. In the statistical analysis SPSS Statistics 27 was used.Findings: Young consumers have a positive attitude towards the idea of FS and the initiative of FS points. Gender is a significant factor in FS attitudes. The FAB model has proven to be a reliable tool for exploring consumer attitudes towards FS. A set of activities was proposed to promote the idea of FS on university campuses and among other potential stakeholders.Originality/value: To contribute to the body of knowledge on FS, the authors proposed the FAB model. The results of this study are relevant for reducing food wastes; they promote sustainable food consumption and the European Green Deal (EGD).

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to measure and assess the level of food safety culture (FSC) in the restaurant operating in the SUBWAY franchise network. Design/methodology/approach: The case study accompanied by the questionnaire built of 38 items grouped into five areas/sections: management style/food safety (FS) policy, leadership, communication, commitment and work environment. Findings: The level of FSC is 3.83 on a 1–5 scale. It requires further improvement and taking greater care of FS. The work environment and management style/FS policy were assessed the highest, while leadership and communication the lowest. There is a need to increase the frequency of meetings that address the issue of FS, ensure a better atmosphere of mutual trust and sharing knowledge about potential problems. It is also necessary to appreciate FS initiatives as well as review the number and suitability of existing procedures. Research limitations/implications: In further studies, the case study accompanied by a questionnaire could be supported by additional qualitative methods, e.g. interviews with employees, observations or mystery shopping. Practical implications: The results may help managers to verify and improve the overall FS policy in the restaurant and to encourage ongoing assessment of FSC in other franchise network entities that will take into account the critical aspects of FSC indicated in the case study. Originality/value: In the literature, the issue of the role and meaning as well as the assessment of FSC has been undertaken for many years; however, there are no papers considering small restaurants from Central Europe. This is also the first paper in Poland that addresses the aspect of FSC and its assessment.

Organic agriculture is a production system based on environmentally friendly practices that promote the conservation of natural resources, biodiversity, and the production of high-quality food. Its tenets are linked to the concept of sustainable development, which integrates environmental, social, and economic goals. In the face of global competition and changes in food systems, studying their competitiveness of organic agriculture is essential. It is key to assessing its potential for long-term development and competition with conventional agriculture. The purpose of this study is to identify and assess the spatial differentiation in the competitiveness of organic agriculture in EU countries. This study assessed the level of input and output competitiveness of organic agriculture in selected EU countries using the author’s synthetic taxonomic indicators consisting of several sub-variables. The competitiveness of organic farming in twenty-three countries (Cyprus, Latvia, Portugal, and Finland were not included due to a lack of statistical data) was analysed using one of the linear ordering methods, i.e., a non-pattern method with a system of fixed weights. The research has shown significant spatial differentiation in both the input competitiveness and the outcome competitiveness of organic agriculture in EU countries. In 2023, Estonia had the highest level of input competitiveness, followed by Austria, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. In 2023, Estonia had the highest synthetic indicator of outcome competitiveness, followed by The Netherlands and Denmark. In addition, an assessment was made of changes in EU organic agriculture in 2014–2023 by analysing the direction and dynamics of changes in selected measures of the development potential of organic agriculture in all member states (27 countries). This sector is characterised by high growth dynamics, including both the area under cultivation and the number of producers and processors of organic food. This study identified several important measures to support the development of organic farming (especially in countries where this type of activity is relatively less competitive) through targeted support mechanisms, such as policy and regulatory measures, financing, agricultural training and advisory services, scientific research, encouraging cooperation, and stimulating demand for organic products.

Zamierzeniem pracy było wskazanie uwarunkowań i zmian w zakresie jakości owoców i warzyw na rynku krajowym. W tym celu zwrócono uwagę na aspekty prawne zapewnienia jakości owoców i warzyw na rynku wspólnotowym oraz przeanalizowano wyniki urzędowego nadzoru jakości handlowej i zdrowotnej owoców i warzyw. Przeprowadzone analizy wskazują, że krajowe owoce i warzywa są bezpieczne dla zdrowia konsumentów. Zawartość pierwiastków toksycznych w owocach i warzywach jest, poza nielicznymi wyjątkami, zgodna z obowiązującymi regulacjami prawnymi. Jakość handlowa owoców krajowych przeznaczonych do spożycia w stanie świeżym, w związku z wykrywanymi nieprawidłowościami w zakresie zgodności z obowiązującymi normami, wymaga stałego nadzoru ze strony upoważnionych organów.

The Determinants of Trust in Food Safety from the Perspective of Generation Z Students

Determine the elements of young adult consumers' attitudes toward food safety using a food safety attitude (FSA) questionnaire and identify the factors influencing them. This study adopts a descriptive and explanatory perspective to the research problem. Determination of students' attitudes was carried out by direct survey using a questionnaire. The ABC model of attitude was used to construct the statements in the questionnaire. The respondents' answers were analyzed using statistical methods. The proposed questionnaire has proven to be a useful tool for assessing food safety attitudes and has identified important new elements in consumers' attitudes. Students' attitudes toward food safety are shaped by sociodemographic and psychosocial factors such as customer type, attitude toward risk, and how they make food purchasing decisions. Information about students' attitudes was obtained only from surveys. The survey results provide valuable insights for business practice. Findings can be used to increase the effectiveness of efforts by various organizations aimed at changing consumer attitudes and behavior and to help understand why consumers implement some food safety behaviors and not others. The research results will help more effectively target efforts to change consumer attitudes, which could translate into a reduction in cases of illness caused by eating unsafe food or following proper practices when shopping and at the home preparation stage. Development of a reliable tool for the study of attitudes. Identify the new elements of young adult consumers' attitudes and the factors that shape them.