Abstract

This study investigated how students at Bestlink College of the Philippines (BCP) perceived food-safety and sanitation practices in campus canteens. Recognizing the importance of school dining facilities to student health, the researchers examined whether food-handling, storage, and cleaning practices met students’ expectations. The study used a descriptive research design and surveyed 150 fourth-year Hospitality Management students from the Annex and MV campuses. Students generally reported a high level of satisfaction, particularly with food-storage practices and the separation of cleaning chemicals from food-preparation areas. Most respondents strongly agreed that canteen staff maintained an organized and well-ventilated environment. Visible hygiene practices, including adherence to cleaning schedules, were described as the strongest factor associated with student trust. Despite the favorable perceptions, continuous improvement was recommended. Regular staff-training workshops, stricter personal-hygiene requirements such as the use of hairnets and gloves, and consistent monitoring may help maintain safe dining conditions and strengthen student confidence in campus food services.