Author: Taffenny Tan (Management Consultant)
Food defense is the activities associated with protecting the food supply from deliberate or intentional acts of contamination or tampering. In today’s world it is important to be ALERT to protect your business.
The nation’s awareness of terrorism has been heightened and there is an increased focus on protecting the nation’s food supply. It is everyone’s responsibility to recognize food defense as an important issue and to get involved.
The FSSC 22000 scheme v4.1 has been extended with clauses related to Food Defense. Although in ISO
22002-1 chapter 18 this topic was addressed, it is now aligned with new GFSI requirements and taken to
the management system level, making it a part of the management responsibility process.
The new FSSC requirements have become mandatory from January 1, 2018.
Why Need to Have a Food Defense Plan?
A Food Defense Plan helps you to identify steps you can take to minimize the risk that food products in your establishment will be intentionally contaminated or tampered with. A Food Defense Plan will help you maintain a safe working environment for your employees, provide a safe product to your customers, and protect your business.
Who Might Adulterate a Food Product?
- Disgruntled current or former employee
- Members of terrorist or activist groups posing as:
• Cleaning crew
• Contractors
• Temporary employees
• Truck drivers (shipping and receiving)
• Visitors
• Utility Representative
What has to be considered in Food Defense Plan?
- Defense Assessment
- Site Security
- Personnel & Visitor Security
- External Inspections
What is the relationship between Food Defense, Food Safety, and Food Security?
In order to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from threats and hazards of greatest risk to the food supply, it is important that preparedness efforts encompass food safety, food defense, and food security. While there are distinct differences between these three concepts, a comprehensive approach that addresses food safety, food defense, and food security considerations improves resilience and protects public health.
Source:
www.fsis.usda.gov
www.iso.org
