7 mins read
In an ever-changing world, establishing and maintaining a food safety program is not enough. Every organisation must strive for continual improvement to stay compliant, relevant, and successful.
For most people, the idea of a food safety management system is all encompassing. It represents a comprehensive body of policies, procedures and processes that when implemented and maintained creates an effective food safety program. In reality, and most importantly in the eyes of regulators, it is much more than that.
Food safety systems don’t stop evolving as soon as they are implemented. They must continue to morph and change along with business growth and changing dynamics. If a food safety system is not continually evolving and improving to stay effective, it no longer serves the purpose of safeguarding the staff, customers and consumers.
In this blog, we will uncover:
Achieving a successfully established food safety management system
Once a food safety management system has been established and implemented, there is a period of time that must follow where it is operational and can be reviewed for potential issues and necessary adjustments. During this time an organisation can determine the effectiveness of the plan, assess gaps, adjust and implement improvements where required and ensure that an effective food safety management system can be maintained into the future. These initial stages are dedicated to establishing processes, routines, logistics, and responsibilities and once in place should run harmoniously together and become embedded in day-to-day operations as culture. Once that is all in place, a food safety management system should grow and evolve organically with the business and its
1. Be prepared
Aspiring to a mindset of ‘every day is audit day’ prioritises preparation and organisation. Being prepared means documents and records are effectively managed, practices and processes are well established and the food safety plans that are in place are representative of all units and aspects of production. Internal audits are a great way to assess the effectiveness of your food safety management system, identify gaps and resolve them before the audit with your chosen certification body.
2. Learn and grow from your mistakes
The results of an audit provide great insight for a proactive facility to progress. Non-conformances and the corrective actions that result from them are opportunities for resolving issues once and for all and putting preventive measures in place where required. A successful audit should not become a breeding ground for complacency. Continuous improvement is an expectation embedded from one audit to the next.
3. Strive to exceed compliance expectations
A subtle layer of ‘failure is not an option’ is a useful addition to the previously mentioned ‘every day is audit day’ mindset. Programs must be continuously tested, verified, validated, and challenged. Evidence in the form of documents, records, interviews, and observations, should be collected, collated and provided that objectively details proof of compliance above and beyond the expectations of an auditor.
4. Embrace the data
Taking charge of the data at your disposal is an empowering choice that helps you understand risks more deeply and identify improvements more strategically. By comparing and contrasting the data available – including customer complaints, hold logs, environmental results, internal audit scores, pre-operational inspections, and evaluation outcomes – we can put together a comprehensive picture of findings, trends, causes and outcomes. When data like this is embraced and recognised for the tool of discovery it can be, compliance becomes effortless and dare we say it – exciting.
View our wide range of training courses to help you learn, plan, implement, assess and improve your food safety management system.
View Courses5. Build strong leadership and an empowered and enthusiatic team
A perpetually compliant facility is fundamentally dependent on the people who are responsible for its food safety management system at every level. Teams are well trained in their specialty areas, knowledgeable, and accountable to each other for ongoing learning to effectively implement the plan. Leadership encourages and supports the team with an open-door policy and leads by example. Expectations are well managed and an understanding that food safety is everyone’s responsibility is inherent.
6. Develop a thriving Food Safety Culture
As defined by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) food safety culture is the “shared values, beliefs and norms that affect mind-set and behaviour toward food safety in, across and throughout an organisation”. This definition reflects the essential nature of culture being dependent on a group rather than the individual, on values agreed upon and understood by all and a collective conscience towards the bigger picture. Food safety culture is an ever-evolving journey, and the commitment by all to achieve the shared goal is a crucial component of a successful food safety management system.
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.
Expertise You Can Trust – At Intertek SAI Global, we are committed to supporting our customer. 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.
Transparent and Honest – We make sure to approach everything with transparency and integrity. We will explain your audit durations and break down the costs associated. We ensure you understand your quote and guarantee no hidden costs or chargeable expenses until the audit is completed.
Customer Service for Added Support – Our customers are our number one focus. Your local Intertek SAI Global team has the experience to support you to ensure your Food Safety Management System meets your unique business requirements. Your Intertek SAI Global customer support system includes a dedicated business development manager, a scheduling team, an invoicing team and experienced local auditors.
With the ongoing challenges facing the food industry, it’s time to build a stronger and more effective food safety management system. Contact us to speak to a food safety expert and see how we can help you and your business achieve food safety excellence.
Get the Latest Food Safety Management Systems Information
This blog forms part of a series outlining what food safety management systems are, how to implement and measure it, enhancing your programs with training, audit and certification, and continuously improving your food safety culture.
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