Food safety issues and food recall announcements seem to be in the news everyday. To minimize your company’s risk and exposure, you want to be sure that you comply with the FDA HACCP guidelines. The FDA’s HACCP, or Hazardous Analysis and Critical Control Points, is as follows:

… a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling, to manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product.

Here are some components you should consider if you work with food distribution, food manufacturing and/or food service and need to stay compliant with the FDA’s HACCP:

Facilities

The facilities you use should be designed, constructed, and maintained with food sanitation in mind. Your building, therefore, should not permit cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, should follow health inspection guidelines for cleanliness and sanitation standards, and should have the proper conditions for food storage.

Production Equipment

Your equipment should also be designed with with food safety measures in mind and should be cleaned and maintained as indicated by the manufacturer’s guidelines. In addition, you should keep the proper documentation in case an issue arises, as it will help you prove that you followed safety protocols.

Supplier Control

To prevent contamination from outside sources, you should only work with suppliers that also have the proper food safety measures in place.

Cleaning and Sanitation

You should have a master sanitation schedule for all your facilities and equipment. Written procedures should be in place and located in an area where your employees can easily find them.

Personal Hygiene

Written guidelines should be established for the personal hygiene of employees and vendors. These guidelines should also include corrective actions for workers who fail to follow them.

Training

Offer regular training and keep careful documentation of it. Some things you should cover on a regular basis include cleaning and sanitation, personal hygiene, and other topics related to food safety.

Traceability and Recall

Include a lot number on all your products, and have a recall system in place that will allow you to quickly trace and recover products if necessary.

Keeping up with all these things can be time consuming – but there are software systems to help. Contact Southeast Computer Solutions for more information about getting software to help you stay compliant with the FDA’s HACCP.

About Southeast Computer Solutions

Southeast Computer Solutions is based in Miami, Florida, and has additional operations in Mexico. For over 30 years, we have positively impacted the success of small and mid-sized businesses with effective business management implementations that improve our clients’ operations. We listen, we are accessible, and we care. Learn more by visiting our website or calling 305-556-4697.