Who controls the documents your facility records? Your site should assign an individual or a team who is responsible for managing the documents and records that will be part of your quality system.

How well prepared are you for your next AIB audit? We all feel ready, but somehow seem to miss that “perfect score”. We wonder if there are additional tools to improve and better prepare.

Activity trackers are the hottest trend in fitness these days. You can clip them to your belt, arm, or even clothing, and some can be easily stored in a pocket. The pocket activity tracker might be the best solution to prevent a foreign material risk in your facility.

The agricultural industry relies heavily on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) programs to ensure safe, quality products. So, Kansas State University’s Integrated Grains Program (IGP) Institute is partnering with AIB International on Oct. 27-­‐29, 2015, to teach industry professionals how to develop and execute effective HACCP programs.

Document control is arguably the most common requirement to receive a non-conformance during a GFSI-benchmarked audit (BRC, FSSC 22000, IFS, and SQF). It is estimated that approximately 25% of all audits have a non-conformance for this requirement

Undeclared allergens or incorrect allergen labeling is the number one reason for recalls globally

Do you have an automated system in your warehouse? Automated warehouses, operated by robots and computer software, are getting more and more popular due to time and labor restrictions in facilities. These systems can be tailored to specific requirements and provide enhanced efficiency of operations for a warehouse or distribution center.

Check out David Acheson’s thoughts on how food safety is changing in China! It helps demystify the Chinese political and legal landscape!

Have you thought about the design of your facility? In a food plant, materials and products need to move from the raw to the cooked/clean areas. Equipment or people movement has to be the exact opposite pattern, from the less soiled to the more soiled parts of the plant. This is also necessary for air movement in your facility, especially if you handle sensitive Ready-to-Eat (RTE) products.

As the demand for certification audits increases around the globe, food manufacturers along the supply chain are wondering what they can do to achieve certification and reduce shortcomings along the way. GFSI certification requires several key elements that are reflected in each of the approved certification standards. Check out these 7 warning signs that you won’t pass a certification audit to eliminate deficiencies in your own plant before the big audit day arrives.