Measurement- A tool for improvement
There are three main reasons why we measure are: research, judgement, and improvement Measurement can show us a number of important pieces of information: how well the current process is performing whether a specific aim is reached how much variation is present in the data/process whether the tests of change have resulted in improvement whether [...]
FOOD THREAT/ DEFENSE
The malicious contamination of food for terrorist purposes is a real and current threat, and deliberate contamination of food at one location could have global public health implications Food defense addresses food system vulnerabilities to prevent deliberate attacks on food by malicious, criminal, or terrorist threats or activities, with the goal of reducing the impact [...]
Latest concerns of food sector
Food Fraud Food fraud is the act of purposely altering, misrepresenting, mislabelling, substituting or tampering with any food product at any point within the farm–to–table food supply chain. Fraud can occur in the raw material, in an ingredient, in the final product or in the food's packaging. Food fraud occurs when customers are deceived about [...]
Do we need local food alert systems?
A rapid food warning system is required, which will allow national authorities to quickly exchange information on health concerns associated with food and feed. When a member country of the network discovers a health hazard, it notifies the rest of the system's network about the product in question and the steps taken to mitigate the [...]
GAP at farm level – Needed for health?
GAP stands for Good Agricultural Practices. There are four elements of GAP - economic viability, environmental sustainability, social acceptability, and food safety and quality. GAP helps in improving usage of natural resources, workers’ health, and working conditions, creating new market opportunities for farmers and exporters in developing countries. Food safety is a top priority for [...]
How important is Label Validation?
A label is a piece of paper, plastic film, cloth, metal, or other material affixed to a container or object and on which information or symbols regarding the product or item are written or printed. Labeling can also refer to information printed directly on a container or object. The brand logo and product name is [...]
Management Systems – Are they beneficial?
Firstly, what is exactly a Management System? A Management System is a set of policies, objectives, processes, and procedures used by an organization to achieve its objectives. The objectives cover many aspects of the organization’s operations. There are international organizations that develops standards to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products, services, and systems. [...]
Knowledge of Microbiology – essential for food safety?
Microorganisms (microbes) are very minute living organisms that cannot be seen by the naked eye. The study of microorganisms is known as Microbiology. Microorganisms could be either useful or harmful to us. Microbes are of great significance to food because (a) they can cause spoilage of foods, (b) they are used to manufacture a wide [...]
HACCP- Is it a useful food safety tool?
HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point. It is a proactive approach that helps an organization to reduce or prevent hazards right from the manufacturing process to the service of the final consumer. By strictly monitoring and controlling each step of the organization’s processes, there remains less chance for hazards to occur. The [...]