How can food processing operations be more transparent and accountable?

2 Adopt quality standards and certifications

Quality standards and certifications are voluntary or mandatory frameworks that define the requirements and criteria for food processing operations to ensure food safety and quality. They can cover aspects such as hygiene, sanitation, traceability, labeling, testing, and auditing. Some examples of quality standards and certifications are ISO 22000, HACCP, BRC, SQF, and FSSC 22000. By adopting quality standards and certifications, food processing operations can demonstrate their compliance and commitment to best practices and gain trust and recognition from consumers and regulators.

3 Implement continuous improvement and innovation

Continuous improvement and innovation are essential for food processing operations to enhance their performance, efficiency, and competitiveness. They can involve adopting new technologies, methods, or products that improve food safety and quality, reduce waste and environmental impact, or meet changing consumer preferences and needs. For example, food processing operations can use novel ingredients, packaging, or preservation techniques that extend shelf life, retain nutrients, or add value. Continuous improvement and innovation also require food processing operations to measure, evaluate, and adjust their processes and outcomes regularly and seek feedback and collaboration from customers and partners.

4 Engage in social responsibility and sustainability

Social responsibility and sustainability are increasingly important for food processing operations to show their ethical and environmental values and practices. They can involve taking actions that benefit the society, the economy, and the planet, such as supporting local farmers and communities, promoting fair trade and animal welfare, reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, and donating or recycling surplus food. By engaging in social responsibility and sustainability, food processing operations can build their reputation and loyalty among consumers and stakeholders and contribute to the global goals of food security and nutrition.

5 Educate and empower employees and consumers

Employees and consumers are key actors in the food processing operations. They can influence and be influenced by the transparency and accountability of the food processing operations. Therefore, it is important for food processing operations to educate and empower them with relevant knowledge, skills, and tools. For example, food processing operations can train their employees on food safety and quality standards, procedures, and practices and encourage them to report and resolve any issues or risks. They can also inform and educate their consumers on the origin, composition, and benefits of their products and provide them with channels to ask questions, give feedback, or make complaints.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?