When it comes to food and beverages, safety and quality are crucial. Poor safety and quality can damage a company, so businesses must ensure that their food supply chain operates to an exceptional standard to prevent issues from arising. Knowing the cost of correction compared to prevention is something any company involved in the food industry should learn. It could help influence their decision to implement measures to maintain high quality and safety within their food supply chain.
If you are looking for ways to maintain high quality and safety within your food supply chain, consider implementing some tactics to help you achieve this goal.
Work With Quality Partners
When working with food suppliers, distributors, and carriers, ensure that they all share the same values as your company on quality and safety. Look at your current supply chain and see if there are any areas for improvement or if you should look elsewhere. You might decide that your current distributor does not deliver the standard you would like, so you choose to look at other local options.
For example, if you were based in Houston and looking for a new distributor, you might put out a search for Houston 3PL companies. One option you might find is SCHC, which is devoted to delivering excellence. You can request a quote here to learn more about their services and if they are the right match for your company. Look at how each aspect of your supply chain performs tests to check its health and safety. See if it is to the standard you would like. Performing these regular checks can give you a clearer understanding of the inner workings of your supply chain.
Ensure Accurate Labelling Is Maintained
The responsibility for labelling food products can vary. Various federal and state laws require producers to include a vast amount of information to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before the importation of food. Understandably want to avoid breaching any of these laws in place. As such, accurate labelling of all products is crucial. Throughout every stage of the supply chain, precise labelling must be maintained.
Regardless of who in your supply chain is responsible for the labelling, ensure that they include accurate information on these labels. Accountability is essential, but so is providing the correct information to consumers.
Consult With Food Safety Professionals
Asking for help should not be viewed as a sign of weakness. It shows a business leader taking the initiative and finding solutions to help improve their company. This can help to provide peace of mind that you have done the right thing for your company, especially if there is something you are uncertain about or you want a second opinion. Food supply chain managers should not hesitate to consult with food safety professionals whenever they are unsure. Ask them for advice when outlining supplier agreements to help minimize any risks and also ensure that all writing meets federal and state rules and regulations.
This support can help reduce any errors that could be costly to the business. Additionally, learning more by asking experts in these fields can help you to gain a deeper understanding of the processes involved. It will help you become a better business leader and make more well-informed decisions.
Keep some of these factors in mind as you look for strategies to help you maintain high quality and safety throughout your food supply chain. Some of these could help to make a positive impact on your business.
Ella Woodward is an entrepreneur who has built a career as a freelance writer and building a business from her skill with words and understanding of the needs of corporate readers.