What is the main purpose of food safety management systems?

The main purpose of food safety management systems is to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure safe food handling practices. These systems are designed to identify potential hazards, establish protocols for handling food safely, and implement procedures that reduce the risk of contamination throughout the food production process. By focusing on the safety and health of consumers, these systems help organizations comply with regulatory standards, maintain food quality, and build consumer trust.

In the context of food safety, measures such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) are critical for recognizing risks at various stages of food production and establishing critical controls to mitigate those risks. This proactive approach is essential for protecting public health and ensuring that the food served is safe to consume.

While factors like food appearance, production efficiency, and local sourcing are important in the food industry, they do not directly address the fundamental purpose of a food safety management system, which prioritizes the prevention of foodborne illnesses and the assurance of safe food handling practices.