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HEALTH & SAFETY F


rom farm to fork, many food safety assurance systems rely on robust Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) programmes. But, how do you verify that the steps you’ve taken


to ensure conformance to food safety standards are working? Can you wait until the next periodic audit, or should you act sooner? Successful, industry-leading food


manufacturers do not wait for a crisis to happen before taking steps to improve their food safety culture. They regularly use audits to identify gaps and potential risks and verify the effectiveness of their internal controls to strengthen customer trust and satisfaction. Performed internally, or by a knowledgeable food safety consultant, a typical audit review can last up to three hours – dependent on the organisation’s size. A well-structured review can reveal the respective strengths and weaknesses of food processing practices, keeping unforeseen conformity surprises from adding further disruptive pressures to already complex, and sometimes fragile, food supply chains.


INSPECTION OR AUDIT: KNOW THE DIFFERENCE The distinction between a food inspection and a food safety audit can get clouded. In food safety circles especially, the two terms are frequently interchangeable. They both help to improve operational performance. And they both assess conformance to set standards. There are, however, subtle differences. A food safety audit is a systematic evaluation


of food factory documentation to determine if food safety practices, programmes and related activities, including procedures and record keeping, are meeting expectations. Generally, an auditor looks at data over a period of time to see if positive or negative trends are developing. Food safety inspections, on the other hand,


provide a thorough physical review of a food facility to assess what is actually happening in production during a precise moment in time. This snapshot – typically lasting between two and four days – gives a realistic assessment of conditions. These can be both positive and negative. When inspecting a Critical Control Point (CCP), an inspector may look for any potential contaminant events that if left unaddressed could prompt an investigation. When conducting an audit, qualified personnel will review the effectiveness of a HACCP plan and ensure it is being implemented correctly. The Food Standards Agency evaluates the


effectiveness of the official audit controls systems managed by enforcement officers and local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Although food safety audits are not a legal requirement, by conducting internal or external audits, food processors can be assured their processes are conforming to these defined food safety standards.


AUDIT ANTICIPATION: REVIEWING EVERYDAY FOOD SAFETY RISKS


Food safety specialist Fortress Technology explores the benefits of staying ahead of an unannounced inspection by an external party, and the value of monitoring everyday risks by performing regular internal and external audit reviews.


FAILING IS PART OF THE PLAN Any failure can feel like the end of the road. However, in audit terms, a non-conformance issue simply notifies a food processor that something needs to be addressed in order to comply with food safety rules, regulations and supplier contractual obligations. Poor record-keeping and non-compliance


with established Food Safety Plans are some of the top reasons that food and beverage manufacturers fail their audits. When equipment and surfaces deteriorate, they can present a possible contamination risk. Auditing highlights these issue and ensures


they are resolved before an inspection. Additionally, end-of-line inspection equipment can expedite the process of tracing a contaminant entry-point and correcting the non- conformance. In order to assess performance and


knowledge of good manufacturing practices, a Traceability Performance Assessment can also be conducted. This timed traceability recall exercise can be added to any GMP inspection and helps to promote food safety compliance amongst staff, highlights Phil Brown, sales director of Fortress Technology Europe.


46 JULY/AUGUST 2024 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS


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