What defines a food safety management system?

A food safety management system is fundamentally a systematic approach to managing food safety through the establishment of clear policies, procedures, and practices. This encompasses a comprehensive framework that includes identifying potential food safety hazards, implementing control measures, monitoring practices, and ensuring compliance with relevant food safety regulations.

The essence of such a system is to proactively prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure that food is safe for consumption from the point of preparation to serving. By focusing on thorough documentation and accountability, the system not only aims for compliance but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement in food safety practices.

This approach is different from merely tracking food inventory, which does not address safety issues, or focusing solely on cost reduction, which can overlook critical safety measures in order to save money. While training staff is an important component of any food safety management system, it is just one element within the larger framework that also includes policies and procedures that guide the organization's overall food safety strategy.