HEALTH & SAFETY
FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS EXPLAINED
Phil Brown, Sales Director at Fortress Technology Europe, shares his expertise on navigating the minefield of food safety standards, who needs to authorise what, and where to find out more about food safety audits
SA and EFSA food safety legislations, retailer codes of practice (COPs) and BRCGS standards can often leave food manufacturers unsure of the food safety systems required. Does the law insist on having a metal detector on your production line? If so, where? Will retailers still stock your product if they haven’t been inspected by X- ray? Does BRCGS need to grant approval confirming that your equipment is HACCP compliant and safe?
F
Who sets the standards? The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for providing the framework for all food legislations in the UK. While they work alongside local authorities to enforce food safety regulations, the entire supply chain plays a role in upholding food safety standards. However, as a food manufacturer, how do you ensure you’re meeting the right requirements? Especially when considering multiple retailer COPs and food safety certifications.
“Ultimately, the food safety standards enforced by the FSA outline the specific details of meeting the Codes of Practice set by retailers. The codes will tell you what you need to do in order meet their requirements, and the standards will tell you how to do it,” said Brown.
For example, the FSA necessitates the use and outlines the process of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) planning to ensure food safety standards are met. These standards don’t specify the use of metal detection equipment, but instead instruct food processors to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of all potential food safety hazards. For the majority of food manufacturers, metal is the most likely physical contaminant risk and therefore
36 APRIL 2025 | PROCESS & CONTROL
warrants the implementation of a metal detector as a hazard control measure. On the other hand, retailers may stipulate that a food manufacturer’s production line includes a metal detector, even specifying where the inspection system should be integrated. “With new food safety values emerging relating to transparency and traceability, retailer COPs are becoming increasingly stringent. Despite the FSA not requiring the use of X-ray inspection, many retailers are now stipulating X-ray inspection in order for them to sell your food product,” added Brown. In some instances, this is a ‘cover all the bases’ approach, and may not be warranted. For many, navigating these confusing and sometimes contradictory demands from governing bodies and retailers can be daunting. Especially given that badges offer a symbol of confidence.
Inevitably, food processors and contract packers will turn to trusted food safety mentors to ensure that they are meeting the government standards. GFSI-recognised certifications can assure food processors that they are complying with both regional and international food safety laws, as well as meeting multiple retailer COPs. Founded in the early 2000s to restore trust after many food safety crises, the GFSI is an international industry body that compiles and harmonises existing food safety management requirements by setting stringent norms to establish a benchmark.
However, GFSI do not conduct food safety audits or certify food businesses. Instead, auditing and food safety certifications are
managed by Certification Program Owners (CPOs) who meet the GFSI’s benchmarking requirements.
The brand recognition received when working with a chosen certification body will determine how widely accepted the food safety certification will be. The most highly regarded CPOs include BRCGS, IFS, FSSC 22000 and SQF. For food manufacturers and retailers alike, this recognition implies a ‘once certified, worldwide recognised’ message.
Certification credibility Achieving certification through a globally recognised third party auditor may assist a food manufacturer to add legitimacy to their food safety program and establish credibility throughout their entire supply chain. Although certification from GFSI auditing bodies isn't essential from a regulatory point of view, some major retailers may insist upon it. Additionally, many retailers set their own auditing processes and extensive approval programs, as well as demanding GFSI- recognised CPO certification.
This presents processors with a double- edged dilemma. If certification helps you to retain a valuable retailer contract and the rewards are worth the investment, you may be justified in viewing this as a business necessity, suggested Brown.
When looking for food inspection equipment, it is important to thoroughly examine your risks in line with HACCP standards. The severity and likelihood of a physical contaminant risk will then determine the appropriate control measures to
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
