Implementation of food safety management systems in the UK

Abstract

a b s t r a c tThis paper reports the first stage of work being undertaken to understand the factors that have impacted on the current state of food safety in the UK food manufacturing sector. The paper first explores developments in international food safety regulation in general and in particular, the UK. Using a survey and case study methodology, the paper examines the response of food manufacturing enterprises to food safety regulation, and uses statistical techniques to investigate the effects of enterprise size on the drivers for, benefits of, and challenges to compliance. Further, the factors that influence the successful implementation of an integrated food safety management system are also examined. The results show a great deal of both statutory and private regulation that has incentivised enterprises. In response, enterprises have implemented integrated food safety management systems to proactively deal with the risks associated with food safety, however, enterprises claim that statutory regulations are biased towards consumers, without adequate impact assessments on all stakeholders within the chain, and hence causing industry to incur significant costs that could otherwise be avoided. Even though compliance with food safety regulation is burdensome, the cost of non-compliance will also be significant to enterprises. The findings also show that there is no significant effect of size of enterprise on the drivers, benefits and challenges to compliance with food safety regulation.

Challenges and practices in Halal meat preparation: a case study investigation of a UK slaughterhouse

“…The efficacy of third party audits has, however, been questioned (Albersmeier, Schulze, Jahn, & Spiller, 2009;Jahn, Schram, & Spiller, 2004;Powell et al, 2012). One factor that is a considerable burden upon producers is the cost of certification (Mensah & Julien, 2011;Trienekens & Zuurbier, 2008). Auditing the practices of premises that produce Halal foods, particularly as the demand for those foods is rising appreciably, can be seen to be a significant issue for certifying bodies, particularly those that are voluntary or non-profit making.…”

Implementation of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) in a SME: Case Study of a Bakery

“…; Barriers during the process of HACCP implementation are: Management, Personnel, Infrastructure; and Barriers after HACCP systems have been implemented are: Diffi culties in verifi cation and validation of HACCP) and unwillingness by manufacturers [Panisello & Quantick, 2001]. Experiences highlighted a number of barriers, burdens and also perceived benefi ts of the successful implementation and operation of HACCP [Taylor, A recent study realized by Mensah & Julien [2011] shows that there is no signifi cant effect of size of enterprise on the drivers, benefi ts and challenges to compliance with food safety regulation. However, importance has been given to the specifi c situation of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's) (e.g.…”

“…A recent study realized by Mensah & Julien [2011] shows that there is no signifi cant effect of size of enterprise on the drivers, benefi ts and challenges to compliance with food safety regulation. However, importance has been given to the specifi c situation of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's) (e.g.…”

“…[Taylor, 2001;Bas et al, 2007;Taylor & Kane, 2005;Walker et al, 2003;Poumeyrol et al, 2010]). The barriers are even greater, given the size and structure of institutions, bearing in mind that the operators require good knowledge necessary to implement the system and also good information and training of all employees [Panisello & Quantick, 2001;Taylor, 2001;Bas et al, 2007;Walker et al, 2003;Taylor & Kane, 2005;Eves & Dervesi, 2005;Mensah & Julien, 2011].…”

Interaction of analytical chemistry with accreditation/certification

“…In order for organizations to demonstrate that hazard levels are within identified acceptable levels, they have to rely on the results of chemical analyses. Furthermore, certification bodies providing certification of FSMS should also evaluate the analytical results in terms of validity and reliability (Mensah and Julien 2011). Validity and reliability of analytical results strongly depend on the technical competency of the laboratory performing the analysis.…”