Communication is the basis of a food safety management system
Processors should establish a culture that encourages interaction and information flow not only from top management to the workforce, but from the workforce upward.
Communication is an essential element in developing, implementing and maintaining a functioning food safety management system. Its importance is highlighted in the ISO 22000 standard under parts 5.6.1 and 5.6.2, internal and external communication. These two parts of the standard emphasize the importance of communication in ensuring food safety programs are properly maintained and managed, both within the company and with stakeholders outside the company. Within the company, the key is to ensure the food safety or HACCP team is aware of any issues that may affect the food safety management system. Part of achieving this goal is documenting and managing how external communication with regulators, suppliers, customers, contractors and any other groups is maintained.
There are many different means for communicating within a company, including new employee orientation, team meetings, educational programs, bulletin boards, email messaging and the use of well-documented procedures. Communication starts the instant a new employee walks through the door for orientation and should continue throughout his or her tenure.