How to set food standards for your company

True food safety means going above and beyond regulations. It’s building a legacy of excellence that shines through every plate, every service, and every moment your customers experience. You need a system, one that ensures every food product leaving your establishment is top-notch.

But where to start? Of course, a list of “best practices” can be helpful, but as anyone in food production knows, consistency is a challenge without the right systems in place. That’s why we’re offering a guide that goes beyond the basics – solid action steps to set food standards for your company.

5 global food safety standards you need to know

Depending on where your company operates, the food safety standards you'll need to follow can vary. To give you a clearer picture of the food safety landscape, here are five major standards from around the world that could impact your business – from production to packaging, and even distribution.

1. Food Safety Modernization Act (USA)

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) completely changed how the U.S. handles food safety. Enforced by the FDA, this extensive regulation covers everything from agricultural water use to food traceability, sanitation practices, and preventive control measures. It’s the backbone of the country's approach to ensuring food safety from farm to table.

2. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

EFSA is the EU’s top body for food safety regulations, guiding food safety standards across member states. They provide scientific data and expert advice, helping protect consumers by tackling food-related health and safety risks. Their job is to keep food safe, and they take it seriously.

3. Food Standards Agency (UK)

In the UK, food safety falls under the remit of the Food Standards Agency, which works hand-in-hand with local authorities. They ensure food businesses across the country adhere to rigorous safety standards designed to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses and safety hazards.

4. Australian Food Safety Standards

Australia’s food safety standards are extensive, covering everything from safety programs to the tools used in food handling. The recently updated specifications – starting in December 2023 -outline stricter guidelines, particularly for higher-risk food businesses. Category one businesses (handling unpackaged, potentially dangerous food) need to have a certified food safety supervisor, trained food handlers, and documented proof of their food safety processes. Meanwhile, category two businesses (handling ready-to-eat foods) only need to meet two out of three of those requirements.

5. WHO Food Safety Standards (SSA)

The World Health Organization (WHO) sets international standards through its Food Safety and Scientific Advice (SSA). These global guidelines help food organizations worldwide minimize risks to consumers. The WHO, alongside the FAO, also helped create the Codex Alimentarius - a global food safety and quality standard for food producers, processors, and distributors. This framework is used to ensure the safest possible food for the global population.

How to set food standards for your company

Here are some steps you can follow to promote food safety compliance, protecting both your consumers and your brand in the process.

1. Know the rules

The first thing you need to do when setting food standards is get a solid understanding of the rules. This means knowing the food safety regulations in your region and beyond – because the rules can vary depending on where you’re operating. Make sure you’re familiar with the local health authority guidelines and international standards – just like the ones we’ve mentioned earlier – and figure out which food safety standards are relevant to your business.

2. Oversee your supply chain

To maintain quality control, set up clear procedures for inspecting and monitoring critical areas in the supply chain. This includes ensuring hygiene in production areas, checking air quality, and conducting regular inspections of storage facilities. Sampling products at various stages of production can also help identify potential issues before they escalate into larger problems. Be proactive about eliminating any hazards that may compromise product quality.

Equally important is investing in modern technology that supports quality control. From automated monitoring systems that track environmental conditions to advanced inspection technologies, the right tools can provide real-time insights into the state of your operations, helping you prevent contamination and maintain a high level of food safety.

3. Prioritize traceability and transparency

Traceability is the backbone of food safety. It means you can track every ingredient and finished product as it moves through the supply chain. If something goes wrong, like a contamination issue, you’ll be able to pinpoint the exact source fast and isolate the affected product.

Effective traceability also involves using digital tools that link various stages of production, processing, and distribution. These tools make it easy to retrieve detailed records about each product, providing the transparency necessary for timely recalls or investigations. This capability also helps government agencies, distributors, and producers work together efficiently to trace the source of contamination.

4. Go beyond manual inspections

Manual inspection remains an essential method in food safety. It’s simple and can be performed by trained staff at various points in the production process. It usually involves manually checking products for defects, contamination, or packaging issues that could affect food safety.

However, it’s important to recognize the limitations of visual inspection. Human error can occur, and not all contaminants are visible to the naked eye. This is why it should be used as part of a broader strategy that incorporates other more advanced inspection techniques.

5. Maintain clean and hygienic equipment

Sanitization is a key pillar of food safety, and this includes the equipment used in food production. Proper hygiene of all equipment is essential to prevent contamination. Food scales, mixing machines, and packaging equipment must be regularly washed and maintained according to hygienic standards to ensure that no harmful substances are transferred to the food.

And this is where MultiWasher comes in – an industrial washing machine, developed by Somengil. It delivers precision washing, effectively tackling everything from utensils to larger food production equipment – ensuring your hygiene protocols are always followed to the letter.

6. Invest in foreign body detection technology

To safeguard your products from contamination by foreign objects, such as metal shards or plastic, investing in foreign body detection technology is a critical step. Technologies like metal detectors and X-ray inspection systems can detect even the smallest contaminants in food products, preventing them from reaching consumers and causing harm.

The benefits of these technologies are clear. Metal detectors can identify ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless-steel contaminants, while X-ray systems offer even broader detection capabilities, spotting non-metallic contaminants like glass or stone. They are the best way to ensure there’s nothing in your products that shouldn’t be there.

7. Don’t overlook waste management

Reducing waste is critical for staying compliant with food safety standards. If not properly managed, waste can lead to contamination, unsanitary conditions, and increased risks to food safety. Not to mention it also impacts your efficiency.

How do you start? Begin by taking a close look at the types of waste your operation generates - from organic waste to packaging materials. Identify the key areas where waste can be minimized and implement strategies that target those inefficiencies.

Take control of your food standards with MultiWasher – and don't settle for less

By now, you’ve seen that setting food standards is not a one-time task, but an ongoing process that requires the right mindset, tools, and approach. Your food standards reflect your brand and your commitment to delivering quality every time. Don’t settle for anything less than exceptional.

Need help to set food standards with ease? MultiWasher is designed for businesses just like yours – companies that don’t compromise on hygiene and quality. With its powerful washing capability, it ensures your equipment is thoroughly washed and sanitized, reducing manual washing time and preventing cross-contamination. Get in touch and discover how MultiWasher can work for you.