If you own a business in the food and beverage industry, “compliance” is a term you hear far too often. Because businesses like yours handle products that people put into their bodies, there are, understandably, many rules you need to follow. In fact, there are so many it can be hard to keep track of them all!
If you’re at the point where some of these regulations have gotten mixed up in your head and you want a refresher, let’s look at the most important types of compliance food businesses need to follow and what they involve.
HACCP Compliance
What do you need to know about HACCP compliance and how it applies to businesses in the food industry? The main point of a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan is to spot and manage potential hazards in your food production process. This system sets up control measures to protect food safety.
You’ll need to conduct a hazard analysis to identify any biological, chemical, or physical risks. Then you establish points in your process where you can apply controls to prevent or eliminate these hazards.
FDA Compliance
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has its own set of rules for businesses that produce, process, pack, or hold food. The FDA Food Code provides a model for food safety rules to protect public health. The regulations cover everything from personnel hygiene to equipment sanitation.
For example, the FDA sets standards for food labels. It requires businesses to have accurate ingredient lists and nutrition facts. The agency also regulates food additives and contaminants. Adherence to these standards shows consumers that your products are safe to eat.
USDA Compliance
If your business handles meat, poultry, or egg products, you’ll also deal with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspects these products to confirm they’re wholesome and correctly labeled.
A USDA mark of inspection on your product tells consumers that it’s safe and of a certain quality. The agency sets strict standards for processing facilities, and its inspectors are present to monitor operations and verify compliance with all applicable regulations.
Allergen Labeling Compliance
Allergen labeling is a serious part of food safety. Federal law requires that food labels clearly identify the presence of any of the major food allergens. These include milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.
Properly labeling for allergens protects consumers who have food sensitivities. A mistake here could have severe consequences for a customer’s health and for your business’s credibility.
Local and State Health Codes
On top of federal regulations, your business must also follow local and state health codes. These rules can vary quite a bit from one place to another. They typically cover areas like food handler permits, kitchen cleanliness standards, and proper food storage temperatures.
Regular inspections from your local health department check that you’re up to code. Passing these inspections is necessary to operate legally, so you’ll want to know your local requirements inside and out.
Keep Your Business on Track
These are some of the types of compliance food businesses need to follow. Each one sets standards to protect consumers from unsafe products. While it’s no easy job to manage them all, your business depends on doing so, so you can keep your customers safe and your reputation intact.
