A SIMPLE METHOD FOR EVALUATING THE FOOD QUALITY OF MEALS SOLD IN THE UNIVERSITY CANTEEN: A CASE STUDY OF VALAYA ALONGKORN RAJABHAT UNIVERSITY UNDER THE ROYAL PATRONAGE

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to assess food quality using a simple evaluation method at the canteen of Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage. Purposive sampling was applied to obtain nine savory dishes, nine beverages, and six snack items. Food items were selected based on daily best-selling menus observed by the researcher in collaboration with the vendors. Data collection was carried out in February 2024. The research tools included: 1) Visual assessment of overall characteristics such as color and texture, 2) Nutritional quality assessment by measuring salt content (% Salt) with a digital salt meter and sugar content (% Brix) with refractometers, 3) Chemical property assessment using litmus paper, and 4) Borax detection using a borax test kit. Descriptive statistics, including percentages and means, were employed for data analysis. The findings demonstrated that the overall food characteristics indicated good conditions for consumption, with no evidence of spoilage or undercooked products. Nutritional quality, in terms of saltiness and sweetness, was at a moderate level. However, borax contamination was detected in some snack items. The use of simple evaluation methods can serve as a practical approach for preliminary food monitoring and quality control in university canteens. These results underline the necessity of raising awareness among food vendors regarding food safety, in line with the policy of providing safe, hygienic, and high-quality canteen food.