Establishing and Implementing an Effective Food Safety Management System in 2023

Many in the Australian food industry had more than acceptable food safety programs in place before the pandemic, yet still faced unprecedented challenges as it unfolded. Supply chains and business continuity were most significantly impacted, and a new level of risk management evolved, above and beyond any seen previously. Across the industry cleaning, hygiene, and sanitation practices have been transformed and a much sharper focus has developed around sustainability.

In this article, we will uncover:

1. 1. What Food Safety Management Systems Are and Why They Matter
   2. What Key Challenges Need to be Addressed in a Food Safety Management System
   3. Implementing an Effective Food Safety Management System

What Food Safety Management Systems Are and Why They Matter

According to research done by the CSIRO “ …the Australian food and agribusiness industry could be worth $250 billion by 2030 if growth can continue at historical rates (~2.4% per annum)”. This kind of growth is impossible without a commitment to implementing the right systems. Food safety management systems underpin not only the capacity of all operators within the food and beverage industry today to get their product or service to market, but also their potential to scale their business safely and effectively for the future.

A food safety management system (FSMS) is a program that specifically articulates how a business operating within the human food chain manages and improves its food safety practices. It demonstrates the integrity of that business’ supply chain, including their sourcing of quality raw materials and ingredients, product labelling and packaging, and safety declarations around allergens and contamination by potentially harmful components. Along with the assurance of food safety and the prevention of adverse health events for consumers, a FSMS will detail the policies and procedures that are in place in the event of a product recall or food fraud.

What Key Challenges Need to be Addressed in a Food Safety Management System

There are fundamental aspects of a food safety program that must be in place, however, there are also specific areas that are often challenging across the board. In 2023, the most common challenges for businesses to address in their food safety program are:

• cleaning, hygiene, and sanitation
• managing supply chains
• sustainability
• food safety culture
• business continuity

Read the full blog here for more information on each challenge and what you and your organisation can do to address them.

Implementing an Effective Food Safety Management System

The adoption of a food safety management system enables organisations to systematically examine every aspect of their food handling processes. Critical analysis and review of a FSMS on a regular basis creates important opportunities for continuous improvement.

Implementing food safety programs can be complex but SAI Global cuts through the complexity, translating theory, recognised standards, and technical requirements into practical measures that will help people understand, evaluate, and boost an organisation’s food safety practices and culture. By adopting the appropriate Standards for an organisation, people can then follow a structured and systematic approach to implement the management systems. This includes developing documentation to meet business and standards requirements, training staff and implementing systems in the business, conducting internal audits, and management review meetings.

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) has revolutionised food safety practices, with food safety as culture now the defining feature of food safety management systems globally. An embedded food safety culture is key to maintaining an effective food safety program ^[1] that is continuously evolving.

The most common standards adopted by the food and beverage industry are HACCP, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, SQF and ISO 22000, along with Global G.A.P., and IFS.

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 Intertek SAI Global to speak to a food safety expert and see how we can help you and your business achieve food safety excellence.

For more information, visit here.

Image credit: iStock.com/jeffbergen