The Evolution and Cultural Framing of Food Safety Management Systems-Where From and Where Next?

Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf. 2019 Nov;18(6):1770-1792. doi: 10.1111/1541-4337.12484. Epub 2019 Sep 19.

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to review the development of food safety management systems (FSMS) from their origins in the 1950s to the present. The food safety challenges in modern food supply systems are explored and it is argued that there is a need for a more holistic thinking approach to food safety management. The narrative review highlights that while the transactional elements of how FSMS are developed, validated, implemented, monitored, and verified remains largely unchanged, how organizational culture frames the operation and efficacy of FSMS is becoming more important. The evolution of a wider academic and industry understanding of both the influence of food safety culture (FS-culture) and also how such culture frames and enables, or conversely restricts the efficacy of the FSMS is crucial for consumer well-being. Potential research gaps worthy of further study are identified as well as recommendations given for the application of the research findings within the food industry.

Keywords: HACCP; food safety; food safety culture; private food safety and quality standards; risk assessment.