3A. WHAT IS INVOLVED IN AN SOP?

UMES EXTENSION

‡ To develop Standard Operating Procedures, you break down the whole process into definable steps and describe them. It is best to organize them in sections, for instance: harvesting SOP’s, drying SOP’s, sanitary SOP’s, etc. Keep MDH in mind because after approval of your SOP’s, they will use your SOP’s as the standard for any inspection.

‡ ‡ Sanitation SOPs cover: ‡ Equipment, food contact surfaces, packaging, and building water ‡ Employee health, hygiene, and clothing ‡ Labeling and storage of chemicals ‡ ‡ Pest control program ‡ In a cleaning and sanitizing SOP, include: ‡ Cleaner and sanitizer storage location ‡ How to clean and sanitize, incorporating label directions ‡ Frequency of cleaning and sanitizing ‡ What records are used to monitor the procedures