Food Safety, HACCP Plans and Inspections
Why do I need a Food Safety Program?
Food businesses in Australia today are under pressure to demonstrate that they are handling their food responsibly. Food poisoning is on the increase and recent outbreaks have undermined public confidence in the food industry. Consumers are now more discerning and will take legal action if something goes wrong. What can food businesses do to demonstrate their professionalism and commitment to food safety?
Businesses can only achieve this by having a food safety program in place. Food Safety is not new and basically requires a business to:
Identify each stage of its food processing, handling and delivery.
Identify what can go wrong at each stage.
Put in place actions that prevent problems from happening.
What are the Benefits of a Food Safety Program?
Introduces systems and procedures to minimise the risk of food contamination
Enables compliance with the necessary food safety legislative requirements
Increases access to domestic and international food service markets
What level of food safety management do I need?
The food safety management practices being requested by customers can be separated into three broad levels:
1. Basic approved supplier program
2. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan
3. HACCP-based quality management standard or code
The level of food safety management you need to implement will depend on your marketing arrangements and the potential risk of your product causing a food safety problem.
If your product is supplied to a supermarket for example, either directly or indirectly, you will at least need to have a basic approved supplier program.
If you are exporting your food product overseas, your customer is most likely to require a HACCP-based quality management system and maybe additional environmental or health and safety requirements. (eg Eurepgap Protocol or British Retail Consortium )
What does HACCP mean?
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is an internationally recognised system for managing the risks associated with food and beverage safety.
HACCP applies to every stage of the food chain. If you grow, store, pack, serve or transport food, HACCP is the smart tool for process management and can assist in reducing the risk of product recalls and other industry disasters.
How can EQAS help?
We can provide you with a certified Food Safety Program that will give your customers confidence regarding food safety and quality issues, and ensure you comply with government food safety legislation. The system will also develop continuous improvements to your operation and introduce gains in efficiency and productivity.
Our food safety programs are based on the implementation of systems and procedures that not only control your products and services, but the way you run your business. While the accepted principles of HACCP Planning are used, our emphasis is on common-sense business practice and effective management of all your key activities.
Call EQAS to tailor a certification program to meet your specific needs and timetables.
EQAS can help you develop and implement the program, and then provide yearly reassessments to assist you in maintaining your certification, and ensuring ongoing market access to your customers.