What is the purpose of a food safety management system?

The purpose of a food safety management system is essential for the effective identification and control of food safety hazards within an operation. Such a system involves a comprehensive approach that encompasses procedures and systems designed to ensure that food is handled, prepared, and served safely to minimize health risks to consumers.

A food safety management system typically includes principles like Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), which systematically evaluates potential hazards in the food production process, from raw materials to consumer delivery. This proactive approach helps identify where hazards may occur and establishes critical control points where measures can be taken to prevent these hazards from becoming a risk.

This system not only protects public health but also builds consumer trust and upholds regulatory compliance. While increasing food sales, creating new recipes, and promoting employee training are all important aspects of a successful food operation, they do not primarily focus on the critical objective of a food safety management system, which is safeguarding food and ensuring its safety through systematic management of hazards.