Food Safety System Requirements for Basic Manufacturing
Guidance Aligned with Global Best Practices and Inspired by Recognized Certification Frameworks
Published by Food Safety Systems | A Service by Consultare Inc. Group – A Compliance Company
For small and medium-sized food manufacturers, establishing a robust food safety management system is crucial to meet regulatory requirements, ensure product integrity, and maintain consumer trust.
This guide provides a practical checklist inspired by internationally recognized food safety principles and best practices. It draws structural insights from GFSI-benchmarked frameworks, including publicly available elements from the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program’s Fundamentals for Manufacturing – Basic Code. This guidance is intended to support facilities preparing for certification or enhancing internal system maturity.
Basic Manufacturing Compliance Checklist
Leadership Commitment & Food Safety Culture
✓ Establish and communicate a clear food safety policy endorsed by senior management
✓ Define roles and responsibilities to ensure accountability
✓ Promote a culture of continuous improvement in food safety practices
✓ Conduct regular management reviews to assess system effectiveness
Document Control & Record Management
✓ Implement procedures for document approval, revision, and distribution
✓ Maintain accurate and accessible records to demonstrate compliance
✓ Ensure records are retained for the appropriate duration as required by regulations
Specifications for Inputs & Materials
✓ Develop and maintain specifications for raw materials, additives, and packaging
✓ Verify that all inputs meet defined safety and quality criteria
✓ Keep documentation of supplier approvals and material testing results
Supplier Verification & Performance Monitoring
✓ Establish a supplier approval program based on risk assessment
✓ Monitor supplier performance through audits and performance reviews
✓ Maintain an up-to-date list of approved suppliers with documented evaluations
Personnel Training & Competency
✓ Identify training needs for all employees involved in manufacturing operations
✓ Provide training on food safety principles, hygiene, and operational procedures
✓ Keep records of training sessions, including attendance and assessment outcomes
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
✓ Maintain clean and hygienic facilities to prevent contamination
✓ Implement pest control measures and monitor their effectiveness
✓ Ensure equipment is maintained and calibrated regularly
Allergen Management (If Applicable)
✓ Identify potential allergens in raw materials and finished products
✓ Implement controls to prevent cross-contact during processing
✓ Label products accurately to inform customers of allergen presence
Food Fraud and Food Defense Risk Mitigation
✓ Conduct vulnerability assessments to identify potential fraud risks
✓ Develop and implement mitigation strategies to protect against intentional adulteration
✓ Secure facilities to prevent unauthorized access and tampering
Crisis Management & Recall Preparedness
✓ Develop a crisis management plan outlining roles and responsibilities
✓ Establish procedures for product recall and withdrawal
✓ Conduct mock recalls to test the effectiveness of recall procedures
Audit & Validation Activities
✓ Perform internal audits to assess compliance with food safety requirements
✓ Validate control measures to ensure they effectively manage identified hazards
✓ Address non-conformities promptly and implement corrective actions
Corrective Actions & Continuous Improvement
✓ Establish a system for identifying and correcting non-conformities
✓ Analyze root causes to prevent recurrence of issues
✓ Review and update food safety practices regularly to drive continuous improvement
Support for Basic Manufacturing Compliance & Certification
Food Safety Systems offers tailored solutions to help manufacturers build certification-aligned programs and continuously improve:
• Customizable SOP and document templates
• Internal audit checklists and system review tools
• Corrective and preventive action (CAPA) forms and workflows
• Supplier verification protocols
• Emergency response and mock recall kits
• Training records and staff development trackers
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Reference Note
This content is adapted from publicly available system structures and compliance principles commonly found in GFSI-recognized certification frameworks, including the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Fundamentals for Manufacturing – Basic, Edition 1.1, published by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI). For formal certification, applicants must follow the official SQF Code available at www.sqfi.com.
Disclaimer
Food Safety Systems is an independent service provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or certified under the Safe Quality Food Institute or the SQF Program. References to SQF are made strictly for educational and informational purposes. Use of the term “SQF” does not imply any official status, accreditation, or partnership.