Food safety management systems
All food businesses need to have a documented food safety management system in place based on the principles of HACCP - Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points.
You must write down simple details of what you do to make sure that the food produced or sold at your premises is safe to eat. You should therefore have written details on the following:
- Possible food safety hazards that could be relevant to your business.
- Things that must be checked to ensure that food is safe.
- Records of any important checks adapted to your business on things like cleaning, correct cooking, chilling of food or the prevention of cross contamination.
It is appreciated that the need to write things down is a daunting task and it is for this reason that we are providing this information, in order that we may be able to assist you with this work.
Completing the written assessment of food safety hazards
In order to complete a written assessment of food safety hazards that would be relevant to your business, you will need to complete a food safety management / HACCP form and also keep daily records on the food safety monitoring form. See the links below to download PDF copies of these forms. Further guidance notes are also provided on these pages.
Your legal obligation
We trust that you will make every effort to record this information on food safety hazards that could be relevant to your business and remind you that this is a legal requirement and will be referred to in future inspections.
Naturally, some of you may already have written procedures and may wish to keep the system that has served you in a satisfactory manner for a period of time.
Any questions?
If you have any concerns or require any further information, please contact the Food Team in Environmental Health.
Food safety management / HACCP form
This form, together with the food safety monitoring form, will provide the basis of your company’s food safety management system.
Food safety monitoring form
The checks recorded on this form, together with the food safety management / HACPP form, will provide the basis of your company’s food safety management system.
