Abstract
Food safety is the primary concern in the hospitality sector, especially in Kazakhstan, wherein the demand for fine dining experiences has increased due to the country's resilient tourism expansion. This study evaluated restaurant and café employees' knowledge of food safety, emphasizing important aspects including cross-contamination, personal hygiene, temperature control, and foodborne illnesses. The primary objective of the study was to assess knowledge gaps and provide insights for improving food safety practices. A standardized questionnaire was given to restaurant and café employees in several regions as part of a quantitative research strategy, generating 428 valid responses. Multiple-choice questions measuring employees' knowledge of food safety elements were included in the survey. The significance of the observed knowledge patterns was assessed using chi-square tests.The results showed significant gaps in knowledge about food safety, especially with relation temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and personal hygiene practices.Restaurant and café employees lacked awareness of proper food handling temperatures, bacterial growth conditions, and sanitation measures. Although, some demonstrated a rudimentary understanding of basic hygiene practices, yet, there was inconsistent adherence to critical practices such as handwashing, handling raw and cooked food separately, and recognizing symptoms of foodborne illnesses. These deficiencies posed potential risks to public health because of poor food safety standards in the hospitality industry. The study implies that there is an urgent need for targeted food safety training programs in Kazakhstan’s hospitality sector. Strengthening regulatory enforcement, continuous education, and hygiene monitoring are essential to safeguard public health and maintain Kazakhstan’s reputation as a leading culinary tourism destination.