Developing the food safety management system for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Dairy Pilot Plant

Abstract

The concern over food safety and the implications associated have increased over the last several years due to high profile and large scale recalls. The recalls have forced many companies to invest in a more comprehensive food safety management system where the focus has shifted from being reactive when food safety issues arise to becoming more proactive through ways of prevention. Solid food safety management programs begin with a comprehensive and robust Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) program. General GMP standards to be implemented by a food processing facility are described by Codex Alimentarius as: hygiene in the primary production, hygienic design of equipment and facilities, control of operations, maintenance and sanitation practices, personal hygiene, transportation, product information and consumer awareness training. The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Dairy Pilot Plant (DPP) employs approximately 15 students each school semester. Products produced are available for retail sale and sold wholesale for food service and select local retail stores. The majority of the students employed have very limited experience or knowledge with dairy manufacturing when they begin employment. The students' training in the past has consisted of mostly hands on training, working alongside more experienced employees without the use of a policy or reference manual. Employees of the DPP have lacked the written procedural information they need to learn the skills to execute GMPs and SSOPs properly. This project involved creating a current and concise documented food safety management plan. Specifically, the project includes a new Good Manufacturing (GMP) Code of Compliance manual and a detailed Sanitation Standard Operating Procedure guide. In addition, a new GMP Code of Compliance for Visitors form, Visitor Log, and post sanitation checklists for cheese and ice cream production are included in the new food safety management system.