7 mins read
In the food industry, ensuring the safety of both products and employees is a continuous responsibility. While there is a designated “Work Safe Month” to highlight safety practices, the reality is that every month is Work Safe Month in the food industry. This blog explores the key food safety standards—GFSI, BRCGS, SQF, IFS, and FSSC—and how they contribute to not only maintaining food quality but also ensuring the safety of workers throughout the food and beverage industry.
Understanding Food Safety Standards
Food safety Standards such as GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative), which encompasses – BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards), FSSC (Food Safety System Certification), IFS (International Featured Standards) and SQF (Safe Quality Food), are all globally recognised frameworks designed to manage food safety risks and ensure the integrity of food supply chains. These standards include various aspects such as total supply chain management, control of food safety hazards, and continuous improvement practices.
The Duality of Safety
Food Quality
The primary function of these standards is to ensure that food products are safe for consumption. This involves rigorous procedures for hazard analysis, critical control points (HACCP), and regular audits to maintain compliance. By adhering to these Standards, food manufacturers can be confident that their products meet the highest quality and safety benchmarks.
Employee Safety
What is often overlooked is the significant role these Standards play in safeguarding the health and well-being of employees. Here’s how they contribute to worker safety:
Hazard Identification and Control:
- Just as these standards require the identification and control of food safety hazards, they also encompass the identification of workplace hazards.
- This dual approach ensures a safer working environment, preventing incidents that could harm employees.
Audits and Inspections:
- Regular audits and inspections mandated by these Standards include checks for compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
- These inspections help in identifying potential risks and implementing corrective actions promptly.
Continuous Improvement:
- The emphasis on continuous improvement helps in refining safety practices over time.
- This approach ensures that both food quality and employee safety are constantly enhanced, creating a culture of safety within the organisation.
Building a Culture of Safety
Adopting these food safety standards fosters a culture of safety within organisations. When employees see that their well-being is prioritised alongside product quality, it builds trust and loyalty. A safe working environment boosts morale, reduces turnover, and enhances productivity, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the business.
Training and Education
The food safety Standards mandate comprehensive training for employees, not just in food handling but also in workplace safety protocols. Regular training ensures that employees are well-versed in safety practices, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Training is not only good practice but, in many instances, mandated as part of the audit compliance framework. Learn to plan, implement, assess and improve your food safety management system at every level of your organisation from our vast selection of food safety courses. Including various courses for HACCP, FSSC 22000 V6, ISO 22000:2018, BRCGS, Allergen Management and SQF.
Meeting Regulatory Requirements
Compliance with the above Standards also means meeting local and international regulatory requirements. This dual compliance not only secures market access but also ensures that safety protocols are in line with the latest legal standards, protecting both employees and consumers.
Ensuring food safety and worker safety are two sides of the same coin. By adhering to globally recognised food safety standards such as GFSI, BRCGS, SQF, FSSC, and IFS, food industry organisations can achieve both. Hence, every month should be treated as Work Safe Month, with continuous efforts to maintain the highest standards of safety and quality.
Overview of Key Food Safety Standards
Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)
The Global Food Safety Initiative serves as a collaborative benchmarking system which harmonises food safety standards from around the world. This initiative effectively reduces the duplication of audits and ensures that food safety practices are consistently applied, thus enhancing the overall integrity of global supply chains.
Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS)
The BRCGS is a comprehensive set of Standards that emphasise food safety, quality, and operational criteria. These standards ensure that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers maintain legal obligations and consumer protection by establishing protocols for production, packaging, storage, and distribution.
Safe Quality Food (SQF)
The Safe Quality Food program is a rigorous and credible food safety and quality program that is recognised by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers globally. It delivers a comprehensive approach to risk management, providing organisations with the assurance that they meet all food safety regulations.
Food Safety System Certification (FSSC)
FSSC 22000 is an internationally accepted certification scheme based on existing ISO Standards, specifically designed for the food industry. It provides a comprehensive framework to manage food safety responsibilities and is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative.
International Featured Standards (IFS)
The IFS standards are designed for food producers under private brands, focusing on food safety and quality processes and products. IFS helps manufacturers establish transparency, create efficient processes, and deliver products that comply with the highest quality standards.
Together, these Standards offer frameworks that not only ensure the highest food safety and quality but also contribute to establishing a robust culture of safety across the industry.
Get Involved Through Food Safety Training
As a leading provider of education and training, Intertek SAI Global offers a wide range of training courses delivered to more than 100,000 customers across the world every year.
Learn to plan, implement, assess and improve your food safety management system at every level of your organisation from our vast selection of food safety & Audit courses. These courses are Nationally and Internationally Certified and can be held online, Public Face to Face, virtually or we can build an In-House program to suit your business needs.
Why Intertek SAI Global
We’re here to help build a world-class, globally competitive, and sustainable food industry today.
With over 25 years of experience and a global reputation built on first-class delivery and technical support. Intertek SAI Global has partnered with the food industry for decades, engaging with hundreds of food and beverage suppliers, manufacturers and contractors throughout their assessment and certification process – while making the process as seamless and simple as possible.
Adding value is at the core of our business and our processes. Let us show you how assessment and certification can add value to your business. Australia-wide, delivering over 60,000 audits each year, your local Intertek SAI Global team is equipped to support your unique requirements.