Dive Brief:
- The vast majority of manufacturers understand the importance of a strong food safety culture, but their food safety training programs are not always sufficient, according to a new global survey from Alchemy Systems.
- Even with a commitment to bringing a positive food safety culture to their operations, nearly two-thirds (62%) of survey participants admitted their employees are not all carrying out the company's food safety program on the plant floor at all times.
- Reasons for this lack of execution vary, but could include complex, unengaging or outdated training materials; employees' lack of knowledge or understanding of the food safety program; or a lack of consistent supplementation and follow-ups on important food safety topics.
Dive Insight:
With the first two FSMA rules taking effect coming for larger manufacturers in less than a week, food safety training for employees has never been more important. Even if management develops an inspiring food safety plan and system for documentation, not properly training employees could result in risky scenarios.
Because employees begin losing what they learned in training almost right away, manufacturers should devise practical and clever ways of consistently reminding employees of the most critical elements of the food safety plan. That could include basic methods like signage posted in appropriate places along the plant floor, or it could be more interactive and engaging, such as through an app or related technology.
When manufacturers do put the extra effort into their training programs, they see results, according to the survey. That's particularly true for improved product quality and fewer mistakes, an improved food safety culture and a reduction in food safety incidents.
By pulling insights from other manufacturers' surveyed experiences with food safety training, manufacturers can ensure their facilities and employees are prepared to comply with the new FSMA requirements merely by stepping up their food safety training initiatives.