Delivering Sustainable G2B Messages to Ensure Food Safety: The Case of Taiwan’s Online Food Business ^†

Abstract

The Internet brings convenience and happiness to consumers. The government must guide food safety standards. The government must provide implementation details, schedule planning, description-of-use documents, relevant regulations on food safety, and address matters needing attention and critical points of on-site counseling and inspection, the formulation of pertinent form documents, the evaluation of the feasibility of the form, and the time required. The Taichung City Government mainly conducts this research to investigate and guide online food sale companies. The industries are food manufacturing, online sales, and catering. The information was surveyed from major website platforms, comprising 640 incidents. These sites include Shopee, PC Home, MOMO, PChome, eBay, and Gomaji. This study uses corporate interview surveys and narrative statistics. The research results show that there are ten food safety issues. The most common ones are the items that should and should not be recorded in the stereotypical food or catering service contract stipulated by communication transactions. That is the most common food safety violation by businesses. This research provides academic and practical references for the positive message transmission of online sales.

1. Introduction

Food safety is essential for all consumers. When we search for the return and volatility spillover effects on Asian Dragons, Yahoo Finance provided the monthly statistics as an example [1]. Still, food safety can’t easily find how to make stable rules. Making sense of the food safety qualification is also essential [2]. We usually inform advisory committee members to check food safety. For example, we need a full-time lecturer or someone of greater authority in a food-related department of a college or university teaching food safety courses, those who are currently or have worked in health agencies and have experience in food hygiene management audits, and specialists in the field of food science with audit experience. Secondly, we should evaluate the advisory committee. After the meeting, one must take the assessment personnel test, and the score must reach 80 points or more, and one must report to the Food Safety Department for approval before one can participate in the assessment and counseling work. Finally, we manage the mechanism. To protect the rights and interests of the industry, the counseling committee members must sign a non-disclosure agreement on the spot for each session, and they are not allowed to take photos or videos without permission. If a report is reported and verified to be true, the membership of the counseling committee member will be disqualified immediately.

Randomly, we select live auction operators. The on-site inspection of GHP and inspection of “items that should be recorded and not recorded in the finalized contract of food or catering services established by means of communication transactions”, “food import inspection registration”, and “food packaging labeling” are in compliance with the regulations. At least two live broadcast operators are selected. We also search for illegal food advertisements (executed according to the inspection and counseling form)

For online platforms such as Shopee, open-air, and Yahoo stores, use search keywords for illegal food advertisements, such as detoxification, anti-oxidation, and hangover. Private message operators implement online food advertising content laws and regulations, provide guidance on changing illegal content or taking down illegal webpages, complete at least 640 cases of Internet operators in Taichung City (the place of shipment is Taichung City), and track the results of follow-up counseling (more than 50% must be completed to remove illegal webpages or change forbidden words and sentences).

2. Literature

We handle consensus meetings of the expert committee on the implementation details of the plan, scheduling planning, document use description, and food safety-related laws’. Regulations or on-site guidance and inspection should pay attention to critical points, formulate relevant form documents, and evaluate the feasibility and needs of the form [3]. After a certain period, it can be used in the implementation of this plan only after obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

The counseling committee should be a consensus meeting and educational training. Usually, we give consensus meetings and education and training lectures through a group of expert committee members. We also handle the guidance committee consensus meeting and education training: hold one session, 3 h per session. On-site audit counseling committee members are invited to audit counseling committee members who specialize in food science, have audit experience, and have received training to serve as audit counselors [4]. The list of check counselors must be reviewed and approved by the Food Safety Department. After the assessment is passed, 20 guidance committee members will be checked and approved by Taichung City for food and drug safety review [5]. Finally, we create a Line community for review counselors: Scholars and experts in the plan and review counselors join in and give immediate feedback on relevant questions and consultations during the review and counseling process [6].

3. Methods

3.1. GHP Assessment Guidance for the Online Food Retailing Industry

There are too many challenges to need that we should adopt initiatives to supply chain management for manufacturing industries [7], such as follows

• Based on the list of operators provided by the Department of Food Safety, at least 80 or more counselors will be provided. On-site counseling will encourage operators to implement online information inspections and hygiene counseling at physical locations to comply with relevant food safety and hygiene regulations.
• On-the-spot counseling for online food sellers to handle “Food Business Registration,” “Webpage content must conform to the stereotyped contract,” “Imported food should be legally registered for import inspection,” and “Complete Chinese labeling is required,” etc. project.
• Personnel who have passed the review of the Food Safety Department will be in charge, one person at a time, and two inspections are required each time, and the Taichung City Food and Drug Safety Department will send personnel to check jointly.
• Data collection: In the end-of-period report, statistical analysis should be carried out on the reinspection results. Suggestions for improved methods and management models should be proposed for common deficiencies in the industry.
• To protect the rights and interests of the industry, the counseling committee members must sign a non-disclosure agreement on the spot for each session. They are not allowed to take photos or record videos without permission. The counseling committee members will be disqualified immediately if the reports are verified.
• If it is impossible to confirm whether a business has ceased operation and cannot be contacted, it should still be recorded accurately. Still, it will not be included in calculating the number of results.

3.2. Implementation of Online Food Sales Inspection Project

3.2.1. Counseling Objects and Content

Randomly select live auction operators to check GHP on the spot and check whether the “items that should be recorded and should not be recorded in the finalized contract of food or catering services established using communication transactions”, “food import inspection registration,” and “food outer packaging labeling” comply with the regulations. This year, at least two live broadcast operators are expected to be selected. For online platforms such as Shopee, open-air, and Yahoo stores, use search keywords for illegal food advertisements, such as detoxification, anti-oxidation, and hangover. Private message operators implement online food advertising content laws and regulations and provide guidance on changing illegal content or taking down illegal webpages, complete at least 640 cases of Internet operators in Taichung City (the place of shipment is Taichung City), and track the results of follow-up counseling (more than 50% must be completed to remove illegal webpages or change forbidden words and sentences).

3.2.2. Qualifications of the Advisory Committee

This will be implemented by counselors approved by the Department of Food and Drug Safety. The counseling committee will implement the counseling items according to the formulated form and follow the Food and Drug Administration’s announcement, “Food and related product labeling advertisements involve false exaggeration, misunderstanding or medical efficacy identification criteria,” to guide the industry to improve it or remove it from the shelves.

3.2.3. Data Collection

In the end-of-term report, the roster of operators, the date of counseling, the execution review and counseling committee members, and the counseling results should be compiled. In addition, the common deficiencies of the employees should be included, and improvement methods and management countermeasures should be developed for the policy planning reference of the Food and Drug Safety Department.

4. Results

The implementation of this case began on 8 October 2011, and on 13 January 2011, 80 online food entity stores were counseled. On 13 March 2011, 640 food violations and guidance were completed, and 350 items were improved.

There are 30 entities in the general catering industry, 17 in the food manufacturing industry, and 33 in online sales.

Table 1. Top 10 deficiencies in the counseling of entity operators.

Items	a	b	c
Comply with the items that should be recorded and should not be recorded in the food or catering service stereotyped contract established through communication transactions.	18	57	5
Items should be sorted and stored on pallets, shelves, or other effective measures should be taken and kept tidy, and should not be placed directly on the ground.	31	37	12
Work and business premises are equipped with hand washing equipment, running tap water, hand sanitizer, paper towels or electric hand dryers, trash cans with lids, and nail brushes. When necessary, appropriate disinfection facilities should be installed. The location of hand washing and hand drying equipment should be appropriate, and the number should be sufficient. Hang a simple and easy-to-understand method of washing hands in an obvious position (six steps of hand washing).	27	26	27
The business owner manages the records independently.	43	26	11
The industry should assign sanitation personnel to fill in the sanitation management records daily, including the sanitation work specified by GHP.	31	25	24
Food is distributed in retail, and food labels are marked according to regulations and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.	50	22	8
The walls, pillars, ground, floors, or ceilings should be kept clean, and the floors or ceilings directly above the food exposure must not have mildew, peeling, dust accumulation, dirt, or condensation.	49	21	10
Raw materials, semi-finished products, and packaging supplies should be properly stored and clearly marked with date records so the industry can manage them independently.	44	18	18
Food handlers shall accept hygiene lectures or training conducted by the competent health authority or relevant agencies (institutions), schools, and legal persons approved or entrusted during their working period and keep records.	31	16	33
On food, food additives, food detergents, food utensils, food containers, or packaging, the name of the product or words, pictures, symbols, or attached instructions are recorded. Nutrition labeling refers to the food container or package that records the nutritional content, content, and nutrition claims of the food.	60	16	4

a. fit; b. no fit; c. no suitable.

shows the top 10 deficiencies in the counseling of entity operators. That would build how to check the standards for fitting the industry.

Table 2. Top 10 deficiencies in the guidance of food manufacturers.

Items	a	b	c
Comply with the items that should be recorded and should not be recorded in the food or catering service stereotyped contract concluded through communication transactions.	7	9	1
The walls, pillars, ground, and floors or ceilings should be kept clean, and the floors or ceilings directly above the food exposure must not have mildew, peeling, dust accumulation, dirt, or condensation.	10	7	0
The ventilation is good, and there is no bad smell. Entrances, doors, windows, vents, and drainage systems should be kept clean, and facilities should be set up to prevent the intrusion of vectors. The appearance of piping should be kept clean.	10	7	0
Work and business premises are equipped with hand washing equipment, running tap water, hand sanitizer, paper towels or electric hand dryers, trash cans with lids, and nail brushes. When necessary, appropriate disinfection facilities should be installed. The location of hand-washing and hand-drying equipment should be appropriate, and the number should be sufficient. Hang a simple and easy-to-understand method of washing hands in an obvious position (six steps of hand washing).	9	7	1
Items should be classified and stored on pallets, shelves, or other effective measures should be taken and kept tidy and should not be placed directly on the ground.	10	7	0
Raw materials, semi-finished products, and packaging supplies should be properly stored and marked with date records so the industry can manage them independently.	11	6	0
Food additives that have not been added without approval shall be managed by special personnel, special counters, and special books according to regulations and shall be properly recorded.	8	5	4
The indoor air is ventilated, and there are facilities to prevent the intrusion of vectors (such as automatic doors, screen doors, and air curtains).	13	4	0
The industry should assign sanitation personnel to fill in the sanitation management records daily, including the sanitation work specified by GHP.	12	4	1
The business owner manages the records independently.	13	4	0

a. fit; b. no fit; c. no suitable.

shows the top 10 deficiencies in the guidance of food manufacturers. Ref. [7] suggests that those also face challenges in adopting green initiatives in supply chain management.

Table 3. The top 10 deficiencies in the counseling of online sellers.

Items	a	b	c
Comply with the items that should be recorded and should not be recorded in the stereotypical food or catering service contract concluded using communication transactions.	4	28	1
Items should be classified and stored on pallets or shelves; otherwise, other effective measures should be taken to keep them tidy and not placed directly on the ground.	5	17	11
The business owner manages the records independently.	13	13	7
Recording the product’s name or words, pictures, symbols, or attached instructions on food, food additives, detergents, utensils, containers, or packaging. Nutrition labeling refers to the food container or package that records the food’s nutritional content, content, and nutrition claims.	21	10	2
Food is in retail circulation, and food labels shall be marked by regulations and compliant with relevant laws and regulations.	21	10	2
The industry should assign sanitation personnel to fill in the sanitation management records daily, including the sanitation work specified by GHP.	6	9	18
Complete food import inspection and registration according to the law	15	7	11
Freezers (cabinets) should be kept below minus 18 degrees Celsius, cold storage (cabinets) should be kept below 7 degrees Celsius and above the freezing point, and frozen storage equipment should be equipped with temperature indicators in apparent places and recorded regularly. Freezer (storage) cabinets and refrigerators (storage) should be routinely defrosted and kept clean.	15	6	12
Work and business premises are equipped with hand washing equipment, running tap water, hand sanitizer, paper towels or electric hand dryers, trash cans with lids, and nail brushes. When necessary, appropriate disinfection facilities should be installed. The location of hand washing and hand drying equipment should be appropriate, and the number of machines should be sufficient. Hang a simple and easy-to-understand method of washing hands in a prominent position (six steps of hand washing).	8	4	21
Toilets should be kept clean and free from odors. “Wash your hands after using the toilet,” and the washing steps should be marked.	9	4	20

a. fit; b. no fit; c. no suitable.

shows the top 10 deficiencies in the counseling of online sellers. That lets buyer-seller connect for value-in-use [8].

Table 4. General top ten deficiencies in available catering business counseling.

Items	Fit	No Fit	No Suitable
Comply with the items that should be recorded and should not be recorded in the stereotypical food or catering service contract concluded using communication transactions.	7	20	3
Work and business premises have hand washing equipment, running tap water, hand sanitizer, paper towels or electric hand dryers, trash cans with lids, and nail brushes. When necessary, appropriate disinfection facilities should be installed. The location of hand washing and hand drying equipment should be correct, and the number should be sufficient. Hang a simple and easy-to-understand method of washing hands in a prominent position (six steps of hand washing).	10	15	5
The walls, pillars, ground, and floors or ceilings should be kept clean, and the floors or ceilings directly above the food exposure must not have mildew, peeling, dust accumulation, dirt, or condensation.	15	14	1
Items should be classified and stored on pallets or shelves; otherwise, other effective measures should be taken, and items should be kept tidy and should not be placed directly on the ground.	16	13	1
The industry should assign sanitation personnel to fill in the sanitation management records daily, including the sanitation work specified by GHP.	13	12	5
Food handlers shall accept hygiene lectures or training conducted by the competent health authority or relevant agencies (institutions), schools, and legal persons approved or entrusted during their working period and keep records.	13	10	7
The business owner manages the records independently.	17	9	4
New employees should pass the medical examination before being employed; the employer should take the initiative to go through the health examination at least once a year.	19	8	3
The personal clothes of food workers should be placed in the changing place and not be brought into the food workplace; the entry and exit of non-food workers should be properly controlled.	18	8	4
Raw materials, semi-finished products, and packaging supplies should be stored appropriately and marked with date records so the industry can manage them independently.	18	8	4

a. fit; b. no fit; c. no suitable.

shows the general top ten deficiencies in available catering business counseling.

Table 5. Counseling illegal projects on various platforms.

Types	a	b	c	d	e	f	g
Shopee	354	69%	157	30%	5	1%	516
Ruten (PChome)	58	60%	39	40%	0	0%	97
Carousell	21	91%	2	9%	0	0%	23
Firm website	1	50%	1	50%	0	0%	2
Rakuten	1	50%	1	50%	0	0%	2
Total	435	68%	200	31%	5	1%	640

a. Exaggeration; b. Percentage; c. Involved in medical treatment efficacy; d. Percentage; e. Joint violation; f. Percentage; g. Violation Subtotal.

shows the counseling of illegal projects on various platforms.

Table 6. Counseling each platform to improve the situation.

Types	a	b	c	d	e
Shopee	320	126	39%	194	61%
Ruten (PChome)	15	6	40%	9	60%
Carousell	13	12	92%	1	8%
Firm website	1	0	0%	1	100%
Rakuten	1	0	0%	1	100%
Total	350	144	41%	206	59%

a. Completed improved; b. Deleted; c. Percentage; d. Partial improved; Percentage.

shows the counseling of each platform to improve the situation.

5. Conclusions

The information was surveyed from major website platforms, comprising 640 incidents. These sites include Shopee, PC Home, MOMO, PChome, eBay, and Gomaji. This study uses corporate interview surveys and narrative statistics. The research results show that there are ten food safety issues. The most common items should and should not be recorded in the food or catering service stereotyped contract stipulated by communication transactions. That is the most common food safety violation by businesses. This research provides academic and practical references for the positive message transmission of online sales.