Global food safety

This book offers companies in the food industry the first comprehensive guide to preparing for the Global Standard Audit. Beverage and Food World, May 2009 BASED ON ISSUE 5 OF THE BRC STANDARD The British Retail Consortium Global Standard for Food Safety was originally conceived to meet an increasing demand for a unified standard to be used by the major retailers in the UK for their suppliers of «own label» food products.

The system has proved so successful that it is now used throughout the food industry, and over 7000 food manufacturers worldwide already have the Standard. Companies are often unsure about how to approach attaining certification—often a demanding process, especially at the first attempt.

Not only are there over 300 clauses to satisfy, there are also general concerns such as how to correct non-conformities within very specific deadlines. Even when their operations are actually quite satisfactory, many suppliers find themselves poorly prepared for the audit and do not perform as well as they might.

This book offers companies in the food industry the first comprehensive guide to preparing for the Global Standard audit. Using over 600 real life examples, it enables manufacturers to ensure that the correct systems are in place to achieve the Standard and present themselves in the best way during the audit process.

It also recommends the steps to take following the audit and how to correct non-conformities. The book is an essential resource for suppliers wishing to attain certification for the first time and those already in the scheme seeking to improve their grades.

It is also of interest to certification bodies and consultants to the food industry.

The HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) system is still recognised internationally as the most effective way to produce safe food throughout the supply chain, but a HACCP system cannot operate in a vacuum. It requires prerequisite programmes to be in place and it can be highly affected by, or dependent upon, other major considerations such as animal, plant, human and environmental health, food security and food defence.

This book: Provides a practical and up-to-date text covering the essentials of food safety management in the global supply chain, giving the reader the knowledge and skills that they need to design, implement and maintain a world-class food safety programme. Builds on existing texts on HACCP and food safety, taking the next step forward in the evolution of HACCP and providing a text that is relevant to all sectors and sizes of food businesses throughout the world.

Shares practical food safety experience, allowing development of best-practice approaches. This will allow existing businesses to improve their systems and enable businesses that are new to HACCP and food safety management requirements in both developed and developing countries to build on existing knowledge for more rapid application of world-class food safety systems.

Educates practitioners such that they will be able to use their judgement in decision-making and to influence those who make food policy and manage food operations. This book is an essential resource for all scientists and managers in the food industry (manufacturing and foodservice); regulators and educators in the field of food safety; and students of food science and technology.