An Introduction to Food Safety Standards

What are Food Safety Standards?

Food safety standards are a set of rules and regulations established by governments, international organizations, and industry bodies to ensure the safety and quality of the food supply chain. The standards aim to reduce the risk of contamination, reduce the chances of foodborne illnesses, and protect the workers and customers who come into contact with the product.

Typically, food safety standards cover all aspects of food production, from gathering ingredients and materials and processing to packing and distribution. That way, customers and workers have comprehensive protections and controls in place to prevent the risks that come with preparing and manufacturing food products.

That said, food safety standards are varied. There are international standards like those by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), while there are also local ones that may be unique to your location. So, it’s important to read up on both local and international standards before you commence operations.

Typically, food safety standards cover all aspects of food production, from gathering ingredients and materials and processing to packing and distribution. That way, customers and workers have comprehensive protections and controls in place to prevent the risks that come with preparing and manufacturing food products.

That said, food safety standards are varied. There are international standards like those by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), while there are also local ones that may be unique to your location. So, it’s important to read up on both local and international standards before you commence operations.

Importance

The first and most important reason to follow food safety standards is to protect workers and customers. Whenever you produce food products, there is a significant risk to your employee’s and customers’ health. This is because contaminated or infected food can cause significant problems such as foodborne illnesses, which food production organizations should aim to prevent.

Whenever there’s an outbreak of foodborne illnesses, organizations deemed responsible may get into deep trouble. Aside from having to cover the expenses of all those who have gotten infected, there are also legal repercussions to consider if there was a contamination caused by a lack of adherence to safety standards.

Additionally, these standards add transparency, traceability, and accountability to your organization’s operations. So, they are critical for smooth and responsible operations. If you operate in the food industry, make sure that you read up on all relevant food safety standards and follow them strictly. That way, you can prevent illnesses and similar issues that arise due to a lack of food safety practices.

5 Food Safety Standards Around the World

Food safety standards vary worldwide. The standards that your organization must follow differ depending on your location. To paint a clearer picture of what food standards seem like and what you need to follow during production, packaging, and distribution, here at five significant food standards all over the world:

Food Safety Modernization Act (USA)

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is an act that shifted the USA’s entire approach to food safety. Enacted by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), the FSMA is a comprehensive document that contains standards on agricultural water, food traceability, sanitation, preventive controls, and more.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is the EU’s main governing body for food safety standards in EU states. The authority provides scientific data and advice on food-related risks to protect consumers from food-related health and safety risks.

Food Standards Agency (UK)

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for food safety in the UK. The agency works with local authorities to ensure that UK organizations in the food industry adhere to safety standards to lower the risk of foodborne illnesses and safety hazards. The FSA also supports initiatives such as Scores on the Doors, which publicly display food hygiene ratings to help customers make informed choices.

Australian Food Safety Standards

Australia has a long list of food safety standards that apply to all food businesses. It consists of standards for safety programs, food handling tools, and general safety practices and recommendations for those in the food industry.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand(FSANZ) revised these specifications for a particular industry, which must be complied with starting December 2023. According to the updated Standard 3.2.2A, businesses in food services, caterers, and retailers must adhere to two or three additional requirements depending on their category. 

Category one businesses which pertains to higher-risk food businesses that handle and process unpackaged, potentially dangerous food before serving it ready-to-eat.

Aside from ensuring compliance with Standard 3.2.2 and Standard 3.2.3, he recent update requires businesses in this category to  implement all three food safety management tools:

1. Have a qualified food safety supervisor (FSS) who oversees the food handling processes in their daily operations. This person must have had formal certification as a recognized FSS in the past 5 years.

2. Ensure all food handlers complete a food handler training course that includes information about safe handling of food, food contamination, sanitizing food premises and equipment, and personal hygiene.

3. Demonstrate or show that their food is safe by substantiating critical food safety controls. Food businesses must record everything that shows their commitment to safe food handling.

Category two businesses refer to retailers of potentially hazardous, ready-to-eat food, where the food was handled unpackaged, but not made or processed on-site (other than slicing, weighing, repacking, reheating, or hot-holding). They are only required to comply with the first two food safety management tools mentioned above which is to have the presence of a qualified food safety supervisor and certified food handlers.

WHO Food Safety Standards (SSA)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has a set of Standards and Scientific Advice on Food and Nutrition (SSA). These international standards set a global benchmark for all food organizations to follow to ensure that consumers face the lowest level of risk possible.

In addition, the WHO has collaborated with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in developing the Codex Alimentarius, a food safety and quality standard for producers, processors, and distributors of food products around the world.

What Happens When You Don’t Abide By Food Safety Standards?

The biggest risk of non-compliance with food safety standards is accidentally contaminating your food products. This can result in consumers getting sick, putting their health at risk. If the source of contamination can be traced to your company, you will face hefty fines and consequences. Not only may you be required to pay for the medical expenses of the affected consumers, but you may also face legal action from the government and private citizens.

On top of that, non-compliance with food safety standards leads to distrust of your organization. When companies don’t follow safety standards, customers will be hesitant to buy and consume their products, which negatively impacts sales and overall company performance.