Integral quality management model in Cuban food agroindustry

Abstract

This study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate an Integral Quality Management Model in the basic business unit “Wajay” of the Cuban agro-food agroindustry. A descriptive and cross-sectional study with an applied approach was conducted in three phases: document review, model design, and empirical validation. The model integrated five functional components and enabled the articulation of quality and food safety systems within a unified operational framework. Results showed improvements in traceability, regulatory compliance, risk management, and operational efficiency. Reductions were recorded in affected samples, waste, returns, and sanitary costs, along with increases in product acceptance, customer satisfaction, and staff certification. It was concluded that the model is technically feasible, economically profitable, and replicable in other agro-food entities, provided there is institutional commitment, technical training, and methodological support.