Performance assessment of food safety management systems in Australian apple packhouses in view of microbial control

Elizabeth J. Frankish*, Kim Yen Phan-Thien, Thomas Ross, Robyn McConchie, Pieternel A. Luning, Hayriye Bozkurt

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Australian apples significantly contribute to the Australian economy and dietary requirements. Their safety is ensured by food safety management systems (FSMS) audited by commercial entities. Production environments, systems and apparent microbial risk vary, resulting in company-specific food safety practices. Holistic, objective measurement of how a company's FSMS is performing could determine if these practices are appropriate for the level of risk of contamination with foodborne pathogens. In this study, the performance of FSMS was measured in seven apple packhouses using a modified FSMS diagnostic tool (FSMS-DT). Results were compared with a previous observational study that found variable application of food safety controls and low assurance activities, to investigate the potential for improving FSMS assessment and enhancing more consistent application of controls. Overall, packhouses demonstrated high FSMS performance. Higher performance was measured in packhouses with better-designed controls and where there was higher food safety knowledge among employees. Comprehensive measurement of food safety management better identified strengths such as supportive management, systematic use of feedback to modify the FSMS, and a low level of nonconforming product. Common system weaknesses included low requirement for food safety knowledge among workers, limited validation of preventive controls, and limited use of expert knowledge for risk assessment. Results confirmed the findings in the observational study but assessment using the FSMS-DT better examined the details of the FSMS and the connections between its components, thus enabling continuous improvement. The diagnostic tool could assist the industry assess their FSMS and identify opportunities for improvement of control and assurance activities.

Original languageEnglish
Article number108642
JournalFood Control
Volume133
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2022

Keywords

  • Apple packhouses
  • Diagnostic indicators
  • Food safety management performance
  • Microbial safety output

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