Richard F. Stier, M.S.

Processors must develop, document, implement, and maintain a protocol for how non-conforming products will be handled. The bottom line is to ensure that non-conforming product is not inadvertently shipped.

It is essential that food processors establish a properly documented pallet management program to prevent issues caused by improper pallet use, storage, inspection, maintenance, and cleaning.

Every food processor, handler, or warehouse operation must establish programs to ensure that workers and the business are protected in the event of a crisis that may affect plant operations.

This article discusses the fundamentals of a retain sample program, which ensures that production samples from each lot of product are retained onsite. These retained samples allow the manufacturing company to evaluate any customer complaints, conduct quality checks, and provide samples to evaluate in the event of a recall.

Calibration is really a verification activity. The goal of a calibration program is to ensure that all instruments used to monitor food safety, quality, and issues related to regulatory compliance have been properly calibrated and are operating effectively.

An internal audit is an intensive assessment of all elements making up the food safety management system. It helps determine if the system is effective and is being properly maintained.

The objective of a water quality and maintenance program is to ensure that the water is safe and is of the proper quality for each application.

Food manufacturers should consider their physical plants in their list of prerequisite programs for HACCP. As demonstrated by a recent, high-profile Listeria outbreak at a major meat processor, facility condition and upkeep can have a significant effect on food safety.

Temperature monitoring is more than writing numbers on a form or entering data into a spreadsheet. Personnel must be properly educated on not only how to do the work, but also why it is important—as well as the ramifications of failing to properly do the work.

Positive release programs are designed to ensure that any food product that is produced meets all quality, safety, sanitation, microbiological, and legal requirements before it is shipped.