This research article assesses the contemporary developments of food safety management system (FSMS) standards as capacity-building programs worldwide and identifies the primary constraints and advantages associated with their implementation by small- and medium-sized enterprises and smallholder farmers across different world regions. 

A crucial determinant of Food Safety Management System (FSMS) efficacy is the extent to which top management is aware of the authentic objectives behind its implementation. Their comprehension of the responsibilities for sustaining the FSMS are important, especially pertaining to the maturity of the organization's food safety culture.

This comprehensive whitepaper provides food safety managers an in-depth guide on developing an effective HACCP plan, a critical requirement in the food industry. 

A recent review of case studies on food safety management systems (FSMS) in small- to medium-sized food businesses in developing regions around the world has painted a picture of global FSMS developments and identified the constraints and advantages associated with their implementation.

Food business operators must ensure that their HACCP teams are motivated, dynamic, and knowledgeable, and that they correctly identify and outline all possible hazards for their product.

Part of Food Safety Magazine’s series with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), titled, “Evolution of a New Era: Advancing Strategies for Smarter Food Safety,” this episode of Food Safety Matters discusses the research and application of behavior sciences with retail foodservice employees and regulatory agencies that help reduce foodborne illness risk factors.

The food safety management program in a foodservice business should be periodically benchmarked against the most current regulatory requirements and best-in-class food safety standards to determine if gaps exist in the program. The gap analysis should be performed by a third party to ensure an unbiased benchmark, and include a review of the corporate governance, systems/specifications, training/education, supply chain management, foodservice operations, and facilities design. The food safety management team should coordinate and review all deficiencies with an action plan prioritized to the level of risk identified.

A survey was sent to food industry trade association members representing food companies to determine what is known about food safety culture, food safety management systems, and active managerial control. The survey also asked about the implementation of such practices in support of a culture of food safety. The survey results indicate that many companies are well aware of these food safety concepts; however, many respondents are unsure whether their company is operating with true active managerial control. Opportunities were uncovered to inform and encourage engagement in active managerial control to a greater degree.

Failure to plan, design, implement and upkeep good Safety Management Systems (FSMSs)along with a strong, positive food safety culture often leads to compromised food safety and subsequent foodborne illness outbreaks at food processing organizations. This phenomenon is observed with a much higher incidence in medium-and small-sized food companies. In this article, ice cream listeriosis outbreak case studies provide context for the importance of PRPs, GMPs, and process control in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks.

It is imperative that we have an immediate paradigm shift in how we manage risk in foodservice establishments to significantly decrease the health and economic burden of foodborne illnesses. This article discusses how to develop a prerequisite program that can be used to train and be monitored via a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) in a foodservice establishment.