Food safety in recent years has been a global challenge for the planet. Billions of people worldwide are at risk from eating unsafe foods, and some even end up dying. In order to ensure the production of safe food, scientific knowledge and the implementation of legislation that promotes its observance is essential. The provision of safe food is a necessary condition for the preservation of humanity and the good quality of human life. Food safety is defined as ensuring that the food will not cause harm to the consumer when it is prepared and/or consumed in accordance with its intended use.
The concept of food safety extends throughout the chain of production, handling, processing, storage, disposal and even pre-consumption preparation. Every food must first of all be safe, i.e. free from physical, chemical and microbiological risks that endanger the health of consumers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), food and water-related diseases cause the deaths of 2.2 million people, of whom 1.9 million are children.
The establishment of a health and safety policy in the areas of food processing and production is a difficult task and the first attempt should be aimed at creating a culture around food safety. Culture in an organization plays a key role and influences how it works. For food safety, the culture starts from the top and flows downwards. On the one hand, leadership works to create a vision of food safety, set expectations and inspire others to follow. On the other hand, employees are the critical component of any food safety culture. It is the creation of a sense of personal responsibility and understanding of the essential role of each in maintaining food safety standards in the organization.
The adoption of this culture by both employees and management is vital and beneficial for the food industry. A company that regularly devotes time to training and responsible staff for food safety, helps maintain a culture. Focusing on the culture of food safety, common values, beliefs and rules in an organization can contribute to the development of a food safety management system based on behavior, organizational mindset and the production of safe food.
Myrofora Ioannou
Business Consultant
September 2022
