How do you achieve a strong Food Safety Culture?

Building a strong Food Safety Culture is a very important aspect for companies in the food industry. Various quality standards, such as BRC Food Safety and IFS Food, are also placing increasing demands on an organisation's culture. But what exactly is a strong Food Safety Culture? And what does it mean in practice?

Food safety as part of the corporate culture

A corporate culture is difficult to define. It refers to the daily routine within a company, such as the norms and values and expectations that apply, regardless of whether these are good or bad. These aspects within an organisation influence the behaviour of the staff and are, as it were, a reflection of the culture of a company.

For your company in the food industry, it is becoming increasingly important that the prevailing corporate culture is one of food safety. This can also be traced back to the definition of Food Safety Culture set by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). According to the GFSI, a food safety culture is about the shared values, beliefs and standards that influence the mindset and behaviour towards food safety throughout the organisation. This goes beyond simply saying that food safety is a high priority within the organisation. It must also be tangible within the organisation. But how do you achieve this?

Specific standard requirements for Food Safety Culture

Although it had been interwoven into various quality standards for some time, with the arrival of version 8, BRC Food Safety was the first standard to include specific standard requirements for food safety culture. Several other quality standards have since incorporated the subject.

In addition to the standard requirements, BRC Food Safety has attempted to clarify what it expects from an organisation with regard to food safety culture through various supporting documents. For example, as a company, you are expected to first map out the current culture. Based on this, you determine and plan actions and/or objectives to monitor and further strengthen the food safety culture. Ultimately, you must implement these actions and/or objectives and assess whether the intended result has been achieved.

The management sets a good example

What applies to every corporate culture, and what is also evident from the quality standards, is that a (food safety) culture must be led from the top of the organisation. It therefore starts with the management. Their leadership behaviour, beliefs and the standards they promote in practice all influence the food safety culture. It is therefore essential that management is clear about food safety aspects, demonstrates commitment to them and communicates this to staff.

Drawing up a clear food safety policy enables management to clarify their vision for the food safety culture and communicate it within the organisation. This creates and strengthens internal understanding and commitment to food safety. Important: building a food safety culture is not something you do as a management team alone. You do it together with your employees.

Strengthening the Food Safety Culture

In order to change or strengthen a culture, it is important to first look at how people view the current culture. Everyone sees things differently. There are probably different groups, each with their own view of the current culture. As a management team, it is important to become aware of the invisible behaviour and unconscious norms and values within the organisation. Once these are clear, you can start to change the behaviour and mindset of your staff in a targeted manner.

One way to gain insight is by conducting in-depth interviews or anonymous surveys at all levels of your organisation. Based on the results, conclusions can be drawn about the current culture. Are we satisfied with the current level as an organisation? Are there certain areas where we can make improvements? If so, how are we going to do this? As management, don't forget to reflect critically and look at your own actions.

Draw up a measurable plan

Finally, draw up a concrete and measurable plan containing actions to strengthen the food safety culture and encourage good behaviour. Implement this plan and assess whether the desired result has been achieved. This will trigger a process of continuous improvement within the organisation.

More information

Want to be the first to know about the latest knowledge articles? Follow our LinkedIn page.

Would you like to know more about food safety culture? Or are you looking for support in applying the standard requirements within your organisation? Please contact us. We are happy to help.

Author: Normec Foodcare Knowledge partner in food safety, product quality and taste