Drivers of voluntary food safety standard adoption in developing value chains: Evidence from Cambodian fish processors

Traditional fish processing is vital to rural food security in Cambodia but faces severe food safety challenges. This study evaluates the socio-economic and institutional drivers of food safety standard adoption, focusing on the voluntary Cambodia Quality Seal (CQS). Utilizing a stratified multi-stage sampling approach matching purposive selection of three key provinces with systematic enterprise selection, we surveyed 165 processors across Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Battambang. A binary probit regression model was specified alongside bivariate analysis to isolate factors explaining adoption choices. The descriptive profile reveals a heavily female-led sector (73.33%) dominated by middle-aged operators with primary education and low baseline awareness (32.12%). Crucially, the probit model uncovers counterintuitive findings: while bivariate averages link higher income to compliance, the multivariate regression reveals that wealthier firms exhibit a lower statistical propensity for food safety standard adoption. Furthermore, general registration with the Ministry of Commerce significantly deters adoption (β = −1.778, p < 0.01) due to bureaucratic exhaustion. Conversely, sector-specific registration with the Fisheries Administration strongly catalyzes food safety standard adoption (β = 1.239, p < 0.05) by lowering information barriers. Additionally, supplying modern supermarkets deters adoption, indicating a private governance substitution effect. However, firms processing high-risk items like dried fish and liquid fish sauce exhibit a higher likelihood of adoption to mitigate severe health liabilities. Policy interventions must prioritize reducing cross-agency bureaucratic friction, deploying decentralized, gender-inclusive technical training, and aligning public quality seals directly with commercial retail standards.