Foodborne illnesses remain a significant concern, despite the widespread implementation of food safety programs across the food industry. Two critical factors contributing to this trend are poor food safety culture and inadequate employee training and development. 

In search of quick solutions, many food businesses are turning to digital food safety monitoring systems to reduce food contamination and ensure compliance. These technologies enable real-time monitoring of essential parameters such as temperature, pH, and moisture, along with task checklists and procedures to simplify food safety processes, saving time and effort. However, technology alone is insufficient. 

This article explores the crucial relationship between digital tools and human skills in safeguarding food safety, emphasizing the need for comprehensive training and the powerful synergy of combining technological innovation with human expertise.

The Role of Digital Tools in Food Safety Management

Digital monitoring tools provide greater transparency, traceability, and accountability in food safety. However, achieving significant improvements requires a solid understanding and application of food safety systems and a strong food safety culture. As reliance on digital tools increases, it is essential to recognize human skills—critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills—in maintaining high food safety standards.

Although digital tools offer numerous advantages, they are not infallible and should not foster a false sense of security. These tools must be complemented by other monitoring approaches to ensure comprehensive safety. Technology should enhance best practices rather than merely define the minimum standards for safety. It is important to recognize that while digital tools are valuable, they cannot replace the human element in food safety. Complying with food laws sets the minimum standard, but the best food businesses strive to exceed these requirements.

For digital food safety technologies to be truly effective, they must be used to enhance good practices rather than serve as a guide for the minimum necessary actions. This technology can assist in monitoring and controlling food safety hazards, but achieving optimal results requires leaders and team members to possess foundational human and technical skills. They must be able to identify and assess potential food safety hazards, understand how to reduce and control them, and recognize their critical importance. Only through the synergy of advanced technology and skilled human involvement can the highest standards of food safety be maintained.

Challenges and Limitations of Digital Tools

Digital tools for food safety management offer many benefits, but they also come with several challenges and limitations:

1. Technical issues
   1. System failures: Malfunctions in hardware or software can interrupt monitoring and data collection, potentially compromising food safety.
   2. Maintenance and upkeep: Regular maintenance and updates are necessary, which can be costly and time-consuming.
2. Data security concerns
   1. Cybersecurity risks: Digital systems are vulnerable to hacking, data breaches, and cyberattacks, risking the loss or manipulation of sensitive data. Additionally, these threats pose a risk of malfunctioning key systems.
3. Reliability of data
   1. Accuracy and calibration: Regular calibration of sensors and tools is crucial to ensure accurate data. Inaccurate data can lead to false readings and misguided decisions.
   2. Data interpretation: Proper analysis and interpretation require skilled personnel. Misinterpretation can result in inadequate responses to potential hazards.
   3. Skill gaps: Employees may lack the necessary skills to effectively use and interpret data from digital tools, reducing their effectiveness.
4. Dependency on technology
   1. Over-reliance: Excessive dependence on digital tools can lead to complacency, with leaders and employees potentially neglecting manual checks and human oversight.

Human Skills for Improving Performance

Human skills, often referred to as "soft skills," encompass a range of abilities that enable individuals to interact effectively with others. In the context of food safety, these skills are essential for ensuring that safety procedures and practices are not only followed, but also continuously improved. Key human skills and their critical importance to food safety include:

1. Leadership and teamwork: Effective monitoring often requires collaboration across different work areas. Leadership skills help coordinate efforts, while teamwork ensures everyone works toward common food safety and business goals. Together, they significantly reduce the risk of oversights or errors.
2. True commitment to food safety culture: A genuine commitment by senior leaders and team members to food safety is essential for establishing a strong food safety culture. This involves prioritizing food safety in all operations and consistently reinforcing its importance among all team members. 
3. Building a food safety culture: Establishing a strong food safety culture involves emphasizing the importance of food safety practices to all team members and ensuring that these practices are consistently followed. This culture fosters an environment where safety is prioritised at every level of operation.¹
4. Dependability: This skill ensures that all team members consistently follow food safety policies and procedures. Reliable workers help maintain consistent safety standards, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring consumer safety.
5. Trust: Building trust within a team promotes a collaborative environment where team members feel confident to report issues, suggest improvements, and comply with safety practices. Trust between leadership and employees ensures open communication and adherence to food safety protocols.
6. Critical thinking: While digital systems provide alerts and data, human judgment is necessary for critical assessment. Leaders must analyze information, identify potential risks, and make informed decisions to prevent food safety incidents. Critical thinking is crucial for verifying and validating the accuracy of data from digital systems. Attention to detail ensures that the data is accurate and reliable, and critical thinking helps assess the validity of the findings.
7. Problem-solving: When digital systems flag potential issues, problem-solving skills are crucial for identifying the root cause and developing effective solutions. This involves understanding complex situations and making swift, accurate decisions to reduce risks.
8. Adaptability: Food business production environments are dynamic and can be unpredictable. Leaders and their teams must be adaptable, applying food safety principles effectively across various scenarios. Flexibility is essential for swift responses to new challenges and changing conditions. As digital systems and food safety standards evolve, human adaptability ensures that teams can quickly learn and integrate new digital tools and methodologies into their monitoring processes, staying ahead of emerging risks and regulatory changes.
9. Communication and training: Effective communication is crucial for conveying the importance of food safety practices and ensuring compliance. Operational leaders must support training opportunities for team members in food safety procedures and practices, ensuring that everyone understands and follows them.
10. Continuous improvement: While digital systems can track performance metrics and highlight areas for improvement, human initiative drives the implementation of changes. Leaders and team members play a vital role in evaluating existing practices, identifying areas for improvement, implementing necessary changes, and ensuring ongoing advancement in safety standards.
11. Crisis management: In the event of a food safety incident, leaders and employees must act decisively to reduce risks and protect consumer health. This requires quick thinking, problem-solving skills, and adherence to established protocols.

Conclusion

Combining human skills with digital monitoring systems and a strong food safety culture creates a strong framework for ensuring food safety performance. Digital systems provide the data and automation needed for efficient monitoring, while human skills bring critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication to interpret data, respond to issues, and drive improvements. Investing in training and development initiatives is essential to equip leaders and team members with the necessary skills to effectively utilize these technologies and maintain high standards of food safety. This synergy between technological innovation and human expertise ensures a comprehensive and dynamic approach to maintaining and enhancing food safety standards.

References

1. Powell, D., A. Thomson, and M. Jeyakumaran. "Building a food safety culture." Food Technology & Manufacturing. November 8, 2022. https://www.foodprocessing.com.au/content/food-design-research/article/building-a-food-safety-culture-450949466. 

Authors

Andrew Thomson is the owner of Think ST Solutions, a food safety consultancy serving the broader foodservice sector. With a career spanning diverse and influential roles, Andrew brings a wealth of expertise to the broader food industry. His extensive background includes holding key positions in food regulation and policy, spearheading quality assurance initiatives, and writing for prominent food industry media outlets in the U.S. and Australia. A passionate educator, Andrew is a member of the Australian Institute of Training and Development and has served as a board member at a nonprofit community foodservice organization.