Validation of the instrument IMAQE‐Food to measure effectiveness of food quality management

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that manufacturers use several quality assurance systems to assure quality. This paper aims to describe the validation of IMAQE‐Food – an instrument that measures effectiveness of food quality systems. Design/methodology/approach – Generalisability, reliability and validity of the instrument were analysed at a sample of 48 bakeries. Reliability and validity of variables were determined using a procedure based on Cronbach's alpha and rotated factor analysis. Generalisability of the instrument was examined by analysing characteristics of the bakery industry and by adapting the instrument for the vegetable and fruit‐processing sector. Findings – The paper finds that IMAQE‐Food is a reliable and valid tool to assess effectiveness of quality systems in bakeries with more than ten employees. IMAQE‐Food appears to be also applicable for the vegetable and fruit‐processing sector. Practical implications – It is shown in the paper that IMAQE‐Food will support food manufacturers in deciding which system is most suitable to achieve their objectives. Originality/value – This paper will make a contribution to the body of knowledge in the field of food quality management by validating an instrument to measure effectiveness instead of compliance of norms or only measuring performance.