Implementing the Process Supplier Approval Program

Transcription

1 Implementing the Process Supplier Approval Program

2 About This Program In the Supplier Approval Series, we will take you through all of the steps necessary to identify a supplier/manufacturer that is safe to use and that meets all of the needs of your operation. To create a complete supplier approval program, it is important to read through and follow all of the steps in this series by downloading the entire program. However, if you already have certain parts of a supplier approval program implemented, each component of the series can be downloaded separately. Please note that this series is intended as an introductory guideline. It is not meant to provide complete detail for regulatory compliance. The series will cover the following topics: 1. What Is a Supplier Approval Program? 2. How to Assess Ingredient Risk 3. What Is the Approval Process? 4. How to Monitor Supplier Performance 5. Implementing the Process In this final document, we ll discuss the steps to ensure your staff members are trained so that the supplier approval program can be properly implemented into your operation. 2

3 Implementing the Process A supplier approval program will only be effective at ensuring food safety if staff members are trained on their roles and every step is carefully documented. Offering a training program to employees has the additional benefits of emphasizing the importance of a strong food safety culture and giving them an opportunity for professional growth. Once staff members understand how and why their actions affect public health, they will place higher importance on following all of the steps necessary to serve safe food. In order to ensure that your supplier approval program is effective in your operation, it is critical to document and train your staff on the process. 3

4 Step 1: The first step is to identify the components of the supplier approval program and define and document the critical roles and responsibilities. This can be accomplished by creating standard operating procedures (SOPs). SOPs should include the following information: Scope or purpose Tasks in the procedure Critical tasks How the tasks will be performed What position will be responsible for performing the tasks Tools or equipment needed How the tasks will be documented How management will verify that each task has been completed Step 2: The next step is to assign responsibility for tasks to specific staff members. Those employees may represent numerous departments, including purchasing, operations, quality assurance, or training. Be sure to cross-train staff and designate back-up staff in the event that the main person is not available to perform the job task. 4

5 Step 3: The final step is to train staff members on their assigned job tasks and responsibilities. To conduct an effective training session, it is essential that trainees have all the necessary resources or equipment. The trainer should then demonstrate the task while stressing the key points and explaining why each step is important. To verify that the trainees understand the task, allow them to perform the job while the trainer observes and provides feedback. Once the trainee has successfully completed the training, be sure to document it. Training should be thought of as an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Once staff members have completed their training, continue to monitor them to make sure that they are following all procedures. If you notice employees doing tasks incorrectly, this could lead to an increase in risk, so it is important to take corrective action immediately. If an employee repeatedly completes a task incorrectly or if multiple employees complete the same task incorrectly, retraining is needed. 5