Guide To Quality Management Systems For The Food Industry

Whenever I step into an aeroplane I cannot avoid considering the risks associated with flying. Thoughts of mechanical failure, pilot error and ter rorist action fill my mind. I try to reassure myself with statistics which tell me there is greater chance of injury crossing the road. The moment the plane takes off I am resigned to my fate, placing faith in pilots who are highly qualified and superbly trained for the task of delivering me safely to my destination. To be a passenger in an aeroplane is to express faith in the systems used by the airline. It is to express a faith in the quality of the airline's organisation and the people who work within it. The same is true of surgery. Thoughts of mortality are difficult to avoid when facing the surgeon's knife. However, faith in the surgeon's training and skill; faith in the anaesthetist and theatre technicians, faith in the efficient resources and quality of the hospital all help to convince that there is little need to worry. Apart from flying and surgery there are many facets of life which entail risk, but, knowing the risks, we willingly place our confidence in others to deliver us safely. In the consumption of food, however, few of us consider the risks. Everyday, if we are fortunate, we eat food. Food sustains and gives us pleasure. Food supports our social interactions.

In recent years there has been growing pressure for consistent product quality, and a need for companies to demonstrate sound quality management practices in order to meet 'Due Diligence' requirements of both legislation and the quality assurance practices of customers. It has become accepted that operating to the requirements of the international standard for quality management - BS EN ISO 900- goes a long way towards meeting these needs. The objective of this book is to explain the requirements of the standard, to offer advice about achieving those requirements and to indicate what the assessors will look for at assessment time. It is important that certification to the standard is sought to support achievement of company objectives and not the reverse, and of course the standard can apply to organizations and services, just as much as to companies. Thus the word' company' in the text should be treated accordingly. lllustrative material has been presented under the logo of a fictiti ous company 'Quality Food Services' - in this context QFS does not bear any relationship whatsoever to any identically or similarly named business that may exist. Readers will find it helpful to read the book with a copy of the standard to hand, and are strongly encouraged to read the complete text before taking any steps to prepare for certification to the standard.

Inrecentyearsthere hasbeengrowingpressurefor consistentproduct quality, and a need for companies to demonstrate sound quality management practicesinorderto meet'DueDiligence' requirements of both legislation and the quality assurance practices of customers. It has become accepted that operating to the requirements of the international standard for quality management - BS EN ISO 9001 goes a long way towards meeting these needs. The objective of this book is to explain the requirements of the standard, to offer advice about achieving those requirements and to indicate what the assessors will look for at assessment time. It is important that certification to the standard is sought to support achievementofcompanyobjectivesandnotthe reverse,andofcourse the standard canapplyto organizationsand services,justasmuch as to companies. Thus theword'company'inthe textshouldbe treated accordingly. lliustrative material hasbeen presentedunderthe logo of a fictiti ous company 'Quality Food Services' - in this context QFS does not bear any relationship whatsoever to any identically or similarly named business that may exist. Readers will find it helpful to read the book with a copy of the standard to hand, and are stronglyencouraged to read the complete textbeforetakingany steps topreparefor certificationtothe standard. Andrew Bolton Tunbridge Wells June 1996 ix Acknowledgements No book of this nature can be written without adequate experience andknowledge,and qualitymanagementinthe food industry isboth a wide and a deep subject. Inevitably and necessarily one lives and learns from the wisdomand advice ofcolleaguesand friends. Ihave been privileged to work with many fine colleagues duringwhat has been ahappycareer,and to all ofthem,withinandwithoutUnilever, I take this opportunity to saythank you.

In recent years there has been growing pressure for consistent product quality, and a need for companies to demonstrate sound quality management practices in order to meet 'Due Diligence' requirements of both legislation and the quality assurance practices of customers. It has become accepted that operating to the requirements of the international standard for quality management - BS EN ISO 900- goes a long way towards meeting these needs. The objective of this book is to explain the requirements of the standard, to offer advice about achieving those requirements and to indicate what the assessors will look for at assessment time. It is important that certification to the standard is sought to support achievement of company objectives and not the reverse, and of course the standard can apply to organizations and services, just as much as to companies. Thus the word' company' in the text should be treated accordingly. lllustrative material has been presented under the logo of a fictiti ous company 'Quality Food Services' - in this context QFS does not bear any relationship whatsoever to any identically or similarly named business that may exist. Readers will find it helpful to read the book with a copy of the standard to hand, and are strongly encouraged to read the complete text before taking any steps to prepare for certification to the standard.

Now in its fifth edition, Food Science remains the most popular and reliable text for introductory courses in food science and technology. This new edition retains the basic format and pedagogical features of previous editions and provides an up-to-date foundation upon which more advanced and specialized knowledge can be built. This essential volume introduces and surveys the broad and complex interrelationships among food ingredients, processing, packaging, distribution and storage, and explores how these factors influence food quality and safety. Reflecting recent advances and emerging technologies in the area, this new edition includes updated commodity and ingredient chapters to emphasize the growing importance of analogs, macro-substitutions, fat fiber and sugar substitutes and replacement products, especially as they affect new product development and increasing concerns for a healthier diet. Revised processing chapters include changing attitudes toward food irradiation, greater use of microwave cooking and microwaveable products, controlled and modified atmosphere packaging and expanding technologies such a extrusion cooking, ohmic heating and supercritical fluid extraction, new information that addresses concerns about the responsible management of food technology, considering environmental, social and economic consequences, as well as the increasing globalization of the food industry. Discussions of food safety an consumer protection including newer phychrotropic pathogens; HAACP techniques for product safety and quality; new information on food additives; pesticides and hormones; and the latest information on nutrition labeling and food regulation. An outstanding text for students with little or no previous instruction in food science and technology, Food Science is also a valuable reference for professionals in food processing, as well as for those working in fields that service, regulate or otherwise interface with the food industry.

Author is a certified Quality Assurance Lead Auditor who has worked with more than 100 companies seeking ISO 9000 certification. * One of the only books on ISO 9000 compliance written exclusively for the food industry. * Examples are based on real-world cases (although company names and other identifying details are not included to protect privacy). These examples can be invaluable to food companies who want to avoid potential pitfalls. * Relates ISO 9000 to other quality and safety assurance management systems.

Regulatory constraints and current management practices put the onus on food manufacturers to take all responsible precautions where hygiene is concerned. A food hygiene audit is the first step towards identifying weaknesses in an operation and this book explains in detail the areas to be inspected during such an audit. The legislative situation is covered by authors from both sides of the Atlantic, although the procedures described are universally applicable. Many companies employ expensive consultants to advise them on this subject and this book provides a cost-effective supplement or alternative. Written primarily for those in the food industry concerned with hygiene, the book is also essential background for students and researchers in government and academic institutions.

Food companies, regardless of their size and scope, understand that it is impossible to establish a single division devoted to "quality", as quality is the responsibility and purpose of every company employee. Applying this theory demands the cooperation of each employee and an understanding of the methodology necessary to establish, implement, and