Maintaining a safe food supply is the responsibility of every organization in the industry, including producers, manufacturers, distributors, and regulators. As a result, food safety inspections are an unavoidable part of running a food and beverage business — a safeguard to ensure companies take the necessary precautions to protect consumer health and maintain compliance.
However, with constantly evolving regulations, as well as operational disruptions and constraints that can impact processes, preparing for inspections is more challenging than ever. Food safety consultants are third-party experts who can help prepare food and beverage manufacturers for inspections by assessing clients' operations, identifying gaps in compliance, strategizing solutions, and even assisting with implementation. Their work can be critical in helping food and beverage companies adhere to the highest standards and meet regulatory requirements.
Here's everything you need to know about how consultants can help facilities prepare for food safety inspections.
The Benefits of Hiring a Food Safety Consultant
Food and beverage companies are increasingly resource-strapped by the labor shortage and inflation, making it difficult to devote as much attention to food safety compliance as necessary. A food safety consultant can augment your company’s labor force with much-needed expertise. Here’s how they can help:
- Familiarity with regulations and standards. A food safety consultant lives and breathes the latest developments in food safety regulations. This allows them to help clients meet today’s requirements and prepare for future laws and standards.
- Support developing food safety management systems. Food and beverage companies that leverage food safety consultant expertise can design more comprehensive, effective, and compliant food safety systems than companies relying on their own knowledge pool and resources.
- Outside perspective. Seeing the same space and processes day in and day out, frontline workers and company leaders alike can become accustomed to operational shortcomings. A food safety consultant provides fresh eyes to the plant floor to immediately spot processes, employee behaviors, environmental factors, and other issues that put food safety at risk.
- Avoid regulatory fines. Following the guidance of food safety consultants helps F&B companies avoid compliance breaches and the liabilities that come with them.
What to Look For in a Food Safety Consultant
Every food and beverage business has its own challenges when it comes to preparing for an inspection, just as every food safety consultant has different strengths and weaknesses. Here’s what to look for as you evaluate potential consultants:
- Tailored services. Can the food safety consultant address your company’s specific needs, or do they operate according to a rigid template? Finding a consultant that acts as a true partner with a custom approach can help you avoid wasting time and money on help you don’t need.
- Expertise and qualifications. Look for food safety consultants that are knowledgeable about the latest regulations and have experience in your industry. Read customer reviews or ask for references to ensure they have a solid understanding of industry standards and best practices.
- Effective communication skills. Acting on a food safety consultant’s insight and recommendations will require clear instructions for a variety of stakeholders across your company. While evaluating options, look for a consultant who can break down complex concepts and processes in layman’s terms.
- Attention to detail. An effective food safety consultant will operate with the same level of scrutiny as a regulator, helping your team spot violations and hazards well before an official inspection. Look for a consultant that is meticulous about investigating every aspect of your operation and food safety plan, from documentation to the most mundane daily processes.
- Ability to problem solve. In addition to spotting food safety violations ahead of an inspection, a good food safety consultant will also provide clear and effective solutions to each issue, ideally without burdening your workforce. In fact, they may be able to suggest larger changes that can improve both food safety plans and operational efficiency.
Regulatory inspections are a necessary part of ensuring a safe food supply and enforcing compliance. Guidance from the right food safety consultant can help companies pass inspections with flying colors, and set operations up for long-term success.
AIB International has over a century of experience in food safety consulting, offering a wide range of services including training, auditing, and certification, all tailored to meet the needs of each customer. The company's global presence keeps their knowledge and expertise at the forefront of emerging trends, helping customers navigate both local and international regulations. Want help preparing for your next inspection? Learn more about AIB International's Assign an Expert service, here.