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Substandard suppliers pose a significant risk to food processors.  Having reliable, high-quality/food safety driven suppliers is critical to a food company’s product consistency and success.  It also assures compliance with Regulatory/GFSI standards and can prevent recalls due to undeclared sub-components and allergens or other food safety issues. Key elements: Quality : ingredients can have an impact on the flavor, texture, color and nutritional value of the finished product

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in food plants are a comprehensive system of guidelines designed to protect food from potential contamination, which are outlined by the USDA and FDA.   Core Principles of GMP: ·         Personal Hygiene  – team members must follow strict handwashing, use of protective clothing such as smocks, hairnets/beardnets, gloves, prohibitive use of jewelry, and prevention of eating/drinking or other personal actions that could contaminate food. ·    

Biosecurity is defined as the procedures intended to protect humans against disease or harmful biological agents.  The FDA & USDA provide guidance to all human food facilities in the important area of Biosecurity.  Below is an overview of key elements that should be included in a robust Biosecurity plan for the receipt and storage of food ingredients, processing and shipment of food products and the prevention of intentional contamination of food products.   Management and Po

Undeclared allergens result in the highest amount of food recalls in the US annually.  Although the number of recalls for this category has decreased year over year, it is still important to develop a program that manages this food safety threat.  90% of food allergic reactions are covered under what the US Government calls the “ Big 9 ”: Crustacean shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, shrimp) Eggs Fish Peanuts Milk Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, pecans, walnuts) Soybeans Sesame Wheat

Successful foreign material (FM) control in food plants is a multi-hurdled system approach designed to prevent and detect physical contamination throughout the food chain process (from incoming materials through final packaging).  FM control ensures consumer safety, maintains regulatory compliance and protects brand reputation. FM is defined as non-food substances that could cause injury to a consumer, and per USDA FSIS Directive 7310.5 examples of FM are foreign material suc

USDA's Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) are essential for the structure and documentation of food safety related to the sanitation aspects of the food processing establishment as outlined in 9 CFR Part 416. Key Requirements: ·   Implementation and Monitoring – designated individuals in the establishment responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the SSOP plan must be identified.  Typically, Operations and Sanitation implement the SSOP plan, and the QA

The USDA's HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) system is designed to ensure food safety by identifying and controlling potential food safety hazards. Initial/Preliminary steps : ·         Food Safety Team:  Establish who will develop and maintain the Food Safety plan and ensure that it is carried out.  The team is typically comprised of leaders of the Operations, Quality and Maintenance departments, and should be HACCP certified. ·         Pre-requisite Programs:  

Preventative maintenance is critical in food safety because it minimizes the risk of  equipment failure that could lead to contamination, ensures compliance with food  safety regulations/ auditing standards and maintains consistent product quality.   Equipment and Facility Reliability Regular maintenance of processing equipment, refrigeration units/systems, and the facility helps ensure food safety and quality.  Malfunctioning equipment, such as broken conveyors, faulty tempe

Sanitation of a food processing environment is critical not only to assure that the product meets food safety and quality excellence, but also to establish a clean break in the processing regimen between production dates.  The 7 Steps of Sanitation  follow a sequence designed to remove soils, eliminate pathogens, and ensure regulatory compliance under the SSOP (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure) plan.  The completion and verification of the sanitation process should be

Ensuring that food products meet safety standards and quality expectations requires more than internal controls.  External support plays a vital role in helping businesses navigate complex regulations, adopt best practices, and maintain consumer trust. This post explores key external resources to support and strengthen food safety and quality systems.   Understanding the Need for External Support in Food Safety and Quality Food safety involves preventing contamination and haz

To implement an effective quality assurance program, food businesses should focus on several key components: Customer Specifications Understanding your customer requirements through their specifications is a critical element for full alignment with them.  Spending time on the front end with all key departments (Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, Maintenance, Sales and QA) is time well spent to ensure that company specifications align perfectly with the customer specifications.  C

To maximize food safety and quality, businesses must implement effective quality assurance strategies.   Doing so is an ongoing commitment that requires dedication and effort. By implementing effective FSQA strategies, businesses can enhance their offerings and build lasting relationships with customers. Here are a few essential approaches to consider: 1. Establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Creating SOPs is vital for maintaining consistency in food quality. Thes

The Importance of Food Safety Food Safety is a primary concern for any food business. Contaminated food can lead to serious health issues, including foodborne illnesses, and recalls, which can destroy a food business. Implementing food safety practices helps prevent these issues. For example, regular inspections and testing can identify potential hazards before they become a problem. Additionally, having a robust food safety system can help businesses comply with local and in

Customers expect wholesome, safe, and delicious products, and trust that the food they buy meets specific standards.  This is where quality assurance comes into play.  Quality Assurance (QA) is not just a buzzword; it is a vital part of running a successful food business.     Meeting/exceeding food safety and quality protects the brand's reputation, and by achieving it consistently can maintain strong, long-term relationships with customers.  Let’s look at some benefits, key

Corporate level Food Safety Quality Assurance (FSQA) Strategies So much is riding on your company’s ability to produce safe, high-quality food.  As a result, businesses in the food industry must prioritize food safety and quality to meet customer expectations.  Here are a few things to consider outside your factories that are key to supporting your company’s FSQA program: Company FSQA Vision : A top-down approach is always best.  Communicate to all levels of your organization