A food safety management system is a set of interconnected procedures, activities, and recommended equipment for ensuring that food does not endanger human health. Top managers in the restaurant and food manufacturing industries are frequently in charge of these programs. They are intended to protect consumers from foodborne illness while also allowing facilities to pass required health inspections.
A set of food safety guidelines or policies is an important component of any food safety management system. A food safety policy statement must be defined any organization that produces food, whether it is through manufacturing or restaurant management. This statement will outline management’s overall intentions and goals in terms of food safety. It will demonstrate the company’s commitment to a sound food safety management system.
In a food safety management system, food safety standards are also crucial. ISO 2200 is a set of standards that is widely accepted around the world. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States is in charge of food safety regulations that apply to the entire food industry. A county’s local health department also sets local standards, inspecting facilities two to four times a year to ensure food is handled safely.
Health inspectors visit restaurants and food processing plants to enforce local food safety laws and train employees on proper food handling techniques. They place the greatest emphasis on procedures that reduce the risk of foodborne illness spreading to consumers. Hand washing, proper cooking and cooling procedures, and dish and utensil sanitation are all checked.
They’ll also check to see if food storage containers are dated and thermometers are calibrated properly. The facility will be inspected for cleanliness and food that could be hazardous. Seafood is particularly scrutinized due to the high risk of bacterial contamination. Every aspect of food safety management will be scrutinized inspectors.
To ensure public safety, restaurant owners must be aware of local health codes. Food safety certification is one way to demonstrate this knowledge. Many food safety management education companies offer certification to restaurant managers. This knowledge is also important because health inspectors will question managers and employees to ensure they understand food safety procedures completely.
Management and staff must be trained on proper food safety procedures on a regular basis. Employees must demonstrate that they understand how to handle food safely. If a health inspector is dissatisfied with the level of knowledge of employees about how to work safely with food, the restaurant can be closed.