Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) in the food industry refer to a collection of principles and guidelines implemented to ensure that all aspects of food processing adhere to respective safety and quality standards. These aspects include everything from receiving raw materials to shipping finished products.
GMPs in the food industry encompass guidelines on staff hygiene, equipment maintenance, factory/plant sanitation, product labeling, and record-keeping. Such guidelines are in place to avoid contamination/cross-contamination and introducing foreign substances into the food supply.
Complying with GMP guidelines is required of all businesses in the food industry, as it directly impacts whether or not food products are deemed safe for mass consumption. GMP guidelines are concerned not just with the facility’s cleanliness but also with how ingredients and finished products are handled.
GMP compliance also improves food manufacturing efficiency since standardized procedures must be followed. Thus, businesses can streamline operations as much as possible to minimize errors, reduce costs, cut waste, prevent recalls, and increase profits.
Businesses going above and beyond may also adhere to the Global Food Safety Initiative.
GMPs in food processing
Among the essential GMP requirements in food manufacturing are:
Facility location
A food production facility must also be in an ideal location that is free from pollution and contaminants and carries minimal risk during food manufacturing operations.
Equipment
Food manufacturing equipment should be ergonomic and efficient so that potential errors are minimized, and all food contact surfaces can readily be cleaned and easily maintained.
Raw materials
Raw materials used for food production need to meet certain quality standards. They should also be stored, handled, and used accordingly to minimize the risk of contaminating the final product.
Pest control
Preventing pests is necessary to ensure food is safe and adheres to GMP standards. Pests include insects, rodents, birds, and the like within the food production area. Proper food storage is also required to keep food safe and avoid infestation.
Quality management
Quality management ensures that the food manufacturing process is carried out correctly and according to code. It includes the verification of food items and assessing whether or not they meet quality criteria. Quality management standards involve testing raw materials, monitoring production processes, and conducting final inspections.
Hygiene and sanitation
Keeping the food production environment hygienic is paramount for preventing contamination. This includes routine cleaning and disinfecting equipment, surfaces, and utensils. Maintaining personal hygiene is also necessary among workers to ensure safe food handling.
Product labeling
Food products should be accurately labeled and must contain all the required information. This includes product name, net weight, identity, and information about the food manufacturer or distributor, such as their name and address. Ingredients and allergens should also be listed down.
Storage and transportation
Proper storage and transportation of food products is absolutely necessary to maintain overall food safety and quality. This also includes keeping food under proper temperatures, especially Time and Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) food.
Personnel
Ensuring that all personnel have proper training in food safety and manufacturing is critical in the food industry. Individuals need to have an excellent working knowledge of possible hazards and how to handle them during food production.
