Undoubtedly, the food industry is a risky space for safety hazards. Industrial operations and products need to speculate the safety hazards. It could be a result of anything, like – cleaning chemicals, packing material, plastic components, broken glass, bacteria, toxins, viruses, etc. All these are critical parts necessitating careful management and the only way to protect the customers and business is through training and awareness. Certification that proves the abidance of food safety norms helps the business bypass these hazards. Thus, the exclusive solution is through food safety training and education for everyone associated with the business.

Unfortunately, some food businesses in the industrial domain regard the critical food safety concern as a lesser important service vertical. It gets reflected in their food safety training policies and the lack of awareness. The absence of a certification like ISO 22000 also proves the same! 

Food safety – Why is it the need of the hour?

Consumers have every legal right to purchase and avail of hygienic food. It needs to be safe and consumable. The quality matters significantly. Especially with the pandemic impact, consumers can take one step ahead and voice their opinions regarding the existing food control measures, practices, standards, and activities incorporated by the companies and industries. In fact, the government plays a critical role in securing optimal food safety and quality. It is a responsible step for all businesses and industries for investing and implementing appropriate quality and food security controls. 

Essential for customers and businesses

Food safety was never a local issue. In fact, it is a noteworthy worldwide concern. Food quality and security testing are crucial for avoiding the chances of injury or illness resulting from the consumption of food. The international standardization certification, ISO 22000 helps maintain the world-class standard. An effective training program is crucial for all food-based industries, food service businesses, and restaurants. Your business must pass the health inspection, exhibiting a proper and effective food hygiene control system. Following the best practices and ensuring staff training prevents diverse health-related risks. The health threats of food poisoning for consumers could be managed and mitigated in the long run. Also, your business can successfully avoid the chances of landing into legal trouble for inefficient safety control practices. 

Food industry controlling – Factors that matter the most

The impact of unsafe food consumption is dangerous for all. The internationally-accepted food handling board principles and controlling factors help in mitigating the risks. If you consider the global brand for food industries and businesses, the broad factors include the following. These surpass the safety aspect and focus on delivering a comprehensive quality product to the customers. Training and certification help in achieving the following. If you want your food business to strengthen its industrial foundation, it is vital to focus on these –  

1. Optimal safety – The focus should be on setting high standards for chemical and microbiological hazards. 
2. Food and nutrition – The focus should be on maintaining optimal nutrient levels in food ingredients, manufacturing and processing foods with high nutritional profiles, and contributing towards health betterment.
3. Premium quality – The focus should be on providing maximized attention for the critical sensory characteristics like – aroma, palatability, taste, presentation, and appearance.
4. Food and brand value – The value of the food adds to consumer utility and economic advantage. It could be through packaging practices or shelf-life assurance. These are practical necessities and thus play an integral role in ensuring a robust solution for businesses in the long run.

Food standards – Training, certification, and more

The food safety management system and training program for boosting the best practices for the food industry comprises the comprehensive structure of the food standard framework. Simply put, it contains critical guidelines for business operators, food handlers, and everyone associated with the food industry. With training and awareness, the business can focus on preventing the various hazardous issues related to food. In the long run, the standardization and regulatory norms of ISO 22000 could be apt for ensuring an all-inclusive solution. 

ISO 22000 – An ideal choice

The ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Standard is a globally-accepted standardization program. ISO 22000 brings an overview of the requirements and critical factors for developing an efficient food safety management system. The certification program helps in brand development and determines the valuable steps that need to be incorporated by the organizations. The framework maps out what your food business needs for enhancing its ability to control and eliminate potential food safety hazards. It is vital for all businesses part of the food industry chain. 

Quality and safety – Initially, it started with a Quality Management Systems approach that got modified in the long run. With a well-managed approach and a plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle method for continuous improvement, it gets easy for businesses to comply with the quality and safety norms. The well-organized and comprehensive framework of ISO 22000 is apt for any organization in the food and feed industry, irrespective of size.

The critical factors or principles of ISO 22000 include – 

1. Prerequisite programs – These include the ideal manufacturing principles for the business
2. System management for the business
3. Interactive communication and improvement areas
4. Risk and hazard analysis with critical control point principles 

Benefits of implementing ISO 22000

Simply put, the consumption of unsafe food could be restricted with the implementation of the ISO 22000 framework. Training the professionals brings reassurance to the food supply chain for delivering credible products to the consumers. Producers, owners, manufacturers, regulators and retailers, food handlers, and consumers can leverage the benefits of implementing ISO 22000.

• With the best utilization of resources, one can enhance company profits and boost branding.
• In the long run, it facilitates economic growth and professional scope.
• Guarantees the safety of food with high quality
• Reduced cases of foodborne diseases and potential health hazards
• A well-managed food safety management system with regulatory norms
• It creates awareness and educates the professionals associated with the industry

Choose IRQS for a systematic audit.

Lead the industry with certified branding and choose IRQS for audit requirements. Get a team of experts from IRQS to review the system and obtain accurate results necessary for getting accredited with ISO 22000 certification.