The importance of training as part of your Food Safety Management System

Why does an organisation within the food supply chain have to conduct training? To answer the question: Control. Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) are developed to control hazards potentially associated with the product, process, facility or employees. It is essential that employees understand how to work safely with food intended for human consumption.

Training programs are an essential component of any Food Safety Management System (FSMS). If employees do not know how to handle food properly, are unaware of required documentation or how results from monitoring assist in management of the system, they will not be able to execute the plan and prevent contamination.

Food handling organisations spend a tremendous amount of time, money and effort to develop and implement FSM), however the system unravels due to the lack of proper training.

Food safety training can assist with control. When employees are properly trained, less errors are made, efficiency increases, less food waste is generated, less nonconformities are raised and the FSMS can be implemented as planned. If not implemented correctly, the FSMS will not prevent contamination and deliver a safe end-product.

To promote employee buy-in and create a positive food safety culture, training should begin with discussing the importance of food safety and the potential risks of contamination. This will ensure that employees understand their role within the food chain and provide them with the tools (skills and knowledge) to make better and well-informed food safety decisions on behalf of the consumer.

MiChem Dynamics bridges the gap by offering various FoodBev accredited training services, including, but not limited to, Basic Food Safety (as per Regulation 638), HACCP (SANS 10330:2020), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) / PRP (Pre-requisite Programmes).

Their training programs assist employees to understand where hazards originate from, how they are introduced into the product, how they accumulate, how they survive and how the food handling organisation can control these hazards. Depending on clients’ needs, MiChem Dynamics creates robust training programs to ensure that employees can execute their FSMS with confidence.

Once the basic food safety principles are implemented, employees can advance to the next level in the form of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) training. HACCP is one of the most fundamental training programs for any food handling organisation. HACCP aims to introduce checks and standards that reduce chemical, physical and biological risks as far as possible.

MiChem Dynamics’ training courses are easily accessible, interactive and equips the delegates with all the knowledge required. However, training is not a once-off exercise. MiChem Dynamics also conducts refresher training to assist in determining how well employees understand the organisation’s strategy and FSMS. Regular follow-up on training will also ensure compliance, reduce the risk of contamination and ensure the continuous improvement of your FSMS. •

Michem Dynamics - www.michemdynamics.co.za