8 Ways to Elevate Your Food Safety Standards

Welcome to Driving What Matters! This monthly newsletter will share tips, insights, articles and more related to navigating today’s complex foodservice supply chain environment.

If you’re unfamiliar with National DCP, please allow us to introduce ourselves. We are a global provider of innovative supply chain solutions for the foodservice industry, currently serving over 10,000 quick service restaurants in the U.S. and distributing products to more than 40 countries. Our company’s expertise includes strategic sourcing of food and non-food items, distribution, manufacturing, business services, supply chain and full visibility, traceability, continuity, and sustainability of supply. You can learn more about us by clicking here.

At National DCP, our commitment to excellence in food safety is essential. From creating comprehensive food safety plans to leveraging innovative technologies, we’ve curated eight proven strategies that may be of interest to your organization. Read on to explore how you can better safeguard the health and trust of your valued customers.

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8 Ways to Elevate Your Food Safety Standards

Every bite counts — and we don’t just mean taste; it's also about guaranteeing quality. Food safety standards are fundamental for protecting the health and trust of your customers.

As leaders in the food service supply chain industry, it's vital for us to deepen our understanding of food safety standards and explore ways to enhance them further. Here at NDCP, we leave no stone unturned in our commitment to the safety and quality of our products throughout the supply chain.

Here are 8 ways National DCP elevates food safety practices that can enhance standards in your organization:

1. Comprehensive Food Safety Plan: Create a comprehensive Food Safety Plan in line with the Food Safety Modernization Act and Good Manufacturing Practices. This plan should include a thorough assessment of potential risks and hazards associated with the production, handling, and distribution of food products. Elements include identifying biological, chemical, and physical hazards that may compromise the safety and quality of the products.

2. Industry Compliant: Stay updated on the latest food safety regulations and guidelines through collaboration with regulatory bodies like the FDA, American Institute for Baking (AIB), industry partners, and participation in educational webinars. This ensures that you remain compliant and proactive in addressing any changes in requirements. In 2023, NDCP achieved an impressive average score of +920 in food safety audits conducted by AIB, reflecting our dedication to excellence and compliance.

3. Robust Training and Education Programs: Training and education are paramount to ensuring that your personnel, top to bottom, are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to uphold food safety standards. From written procedures to job-specific training, prioritize continuous learning and supervision for compliance.

4. Proactive Contamination Prevention: Implement proactive measures to prevent contamination or cross-contamination of food products. Some examples include regular self-inspections, robust food defense programs, stringent cleaning protocols, and specialized programs for allergen and chemical control.

5. Role of Quality Assurance: From product inspection to equipment maintenance, cleaning protocols, and meticulous documentation, established measures to ensure the effectiveness of your food safety practices. This meticulous approach not only maintains a hygienic environment but also safeguards against cross-contamination.

6. Efficient Recall and Incident Handling: In the event of recalls or food safety incidents, establish a traceability program that enables your organization to swiftly locate products and prevent further distribution. To best prepare for this, we recommend conducting mock recalls with relevant internal and external personnel to continually refine your response protocols.

7. Innovative Technologies: Leverage cutting-edge technologies, including advanced labeling and packaging, product scanning for accuracy, temperature monitoring devices, and Warehouse Management Systems. These technological innovations bolster food safety measures and enhance efficiency.

8. Collaborative Supplier Partnerships: Collaboration with suppliers and partners is integral to maintaining high food safety standards across the supply chain. We work closely to ensure that all suppliers meet stringent qualification requirements and uphold our commitment to safety.

Food safety standards are more than just a regulatory requirement. At NDCP, we believe it is a strong moral obligation to ensure the health and well-being of the customers that our members, Dunkin’ franchisees, serve. By adopting these practices, we all can elevate food safety standards to new heights, setting a benchmark for the industry.

How does your organization prioritize food safety? Which of these ?proven food safety tips resonates the most with you?