ISO 22000 Implementation in Egyptian Nile Cruise Operations: An Exploratory Audit-Based Study

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Hotel Management, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, University of Sadat City, Egypt

Abstract

This study critically examines the implementation of the ISO 22000:2018 food safety management system (FSMS) aboard five-star Nile cruise ships in Egypt. Utilizing a structured 25-section audit tool across 17 vessels, the research uncovers a significant gap between formal compliance policies and their execution in practice. While core practices such as temperature monitoring and food labeling exhibit high adherence, critical deficiencies remain. The audit findings revealed significant gaps in ISO 22000:2018 compliance across the assessed Nile cruises. For example, only 17.6% of the cruises maintained complete delivery documentation, and 29.4% demonstrated adequate allergen segregation, indicating direct risks to passenger health and safety. None of the audited cruises achieved full compliance across all ISO domains. Infrastructural neglect and limited staff engagement further impede sustainable FSMS performance. By contextualizing food safety within the maritime hospitality sector, this research provides both empirical and theoretical insights to inform future FSMS interventions in similarly complex environments.

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