The Value of Staying Ahead in Food Safety as a Quality Director In the ever-evolving world of food safety, staying ahead of industry challenges is more than just important—it’s essential. As a Quality Director, your role is pivotal in maintaining the safety and quality of food products. But who can you turn to when faced […] The post Why Every Quality Director Needs to Attend Our Executive Salon appeared first on Food Safety Experts ..read more

A Physical Contaminants Guideline for QA Professionals In the food industry, managing physical contaminants and ensuring effective training are crucial for maintaining food safety standards. Non-conformities in these areas can lead to significant risks, including contamination and non-compliance with Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards. As a Quality Assurance (QA) professional, your role is to […] The post Avoiding Common Non-Conformities in Physical Contaminants appeared first on Food Safety Experts ..read more

Focus on Leader Engagement to Enhance Employee Engagement in the Food Industry Employee engagement is often seen as the key to a productive workforce. However, the real driver is leader engagement. Leaders, especially QA managers in the food industry, create the work environment. Their daily actions directly impact employee engagement. Therefore, employee engagement is a […] The post Leader Engagement appeared first on Food Safety Experts ..read more

A Recall Guide for QA Departments When it comes to ensuring food safety, quick and efficient recall processes are paramount. QA departments play a crucial role in safeguarding consumers by swiftly addressing potential issues with products. However, several common mistakes can hinder their efforts. By recognizing and rectifying these pitfalls, QA teams can enhance their effectiveness and protect public health. Types of Recalls Recalls typically fall into two categories: those related to food safety concerns and those due to quality issues not directly affecting safety. Food Safety Recalls Food ..read more

Why PFAS in Food and Feed Matters and What the New Rules Say PFAS: What Are They? PFAS stands for chemicals found in many products that keep stains, water, and grease away. They’re in many everyday items like waterproof clothes and some types of pans. Because they last a long time and don’t break down easily, PFAS can end up in the environment and then in our food. Regulatory Framework: EU Regulation 2023/915 In response to growing health concerns, the European Commission has enacted Regulation 2023/915. This revises and establishes maximum contaminant levels for certain substances in food pro ..read more

IFS Food v8 Allergen Management requirement 4.19 Food safety matters. It builds our trust in food. Allergens can sneak in, making their management key. The IFS Food v8 standard, especially requirement 4.19, sets the scene. It outlines how to spot and control allergens in food making. Our Mastery Module simplifies these rules into easy steps. It leads you through compliance smoothly. Additionally, this module empowers you. It offers tools and insights for better allergen control. So, let’s explore how it boosts your allergen management, ensuring safety and compliance. Join us on this path ..read more

In the dynamic realm of the food industry, conflicts are an inevitable part of our professional landscape. As quality managers overseeing the intricacies of food safety and standards, we often find ourselves navigating through various conflict scenarios. This post is tailored to our unique role, offering insights into common conflicts encountered in the industry and practical strategies for resolution. By taking a proactive approach to understand and tackle conflicts head-on, we can cultivate a work environment that promotes productivity and harmony among stakeholders.   Understanding Con ..read more

Supplier Responsibility: Ensuring Integrity and Safety Suppliers play a pivotal role in the food supply chain, particularly under GFSI standards. They must ensure the integrity and safety of their products, a task that involves verifying the credentials of their own suppliers. Importantly, if a supplier knowingly purchases from an uncertified source, they compromise the supply chain’s integrity. Consequently, they bear direct responsibility for any resulting fraud or non-compliance. Liability for Fraud: The Role of the Direct Supplier When a direct supplier sources from an uncertified entity ..read more

Identifying the Problem Have you encountered customer issues that required managerial intervention? Often, these stem from ignored food safety complaints. Senior management frequently steps in to resolve such grievances. This signals a major gap in handling customer feedback. In numerous cases, these problems originate from inadequate Quality Assurance processes. Overlooking customer feedback in the food sector can have dire consequences. It can drastically harm a company’s reputation and erode trust. In a highly competitive market, the food industry cannot afford these oversights. Crafting th ..read more

In the rapidly changing landscape of the food industry, Quality Assurance (QA) professionals play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, consistency, and quality of the products that reach consumers. While the technical skills of these professionals are undoubtedly vital, it’s their soft skills—their ability to communicate, lead, and collaborate—that often make the most significant difference. However, acquiring and honing these soft skills present a unique set of challenges.   Challenges Faced by QA Professionals Communication across Departments: QA professionals often find themselves i ..read more