Personal Hygiene Policies
Aligned with FSSC 22000 – Personnel Hygiene and GMP Requirements
Requirement Overview
FSSC 22000 requires that all personnel working in food handling or production areas follow strict personal hygiene practices to prevent contamination. This applies to employees, contractors, and visitors whose actions or presence could impact product safety. The hygiene requirements must be documented, clearly communicated, and supported through training, supervision, and monitoring.
The goal is to minimize the risk of introducing microbiological, physical, or chemical hazards into products through poor hygiene behaviors, inadequate protective clothing, or illness. Organizations are expected to provide suitable facilities, establish clear behavioral rules, and maintain records that demonstrate compliance. Personal hygiene controls are considered a core element of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and are directly linked to maintaining food safety and protecting brand integrity.
Aligned with BRCGS for Storage & Distribution Issue 4 – Clause 4.3.1 & 4.3.3
Requirement Overview
BRCGS for Storage & Distribution requires that products moved via cross-docking are traceable and controlled at all times, even when they are not held in storage for extended periods.
Clause 4.3.1: “The company shall ensure that traceability is maintained at all stages, including during cross-docking operations.”
Clause 4.3.3: “Procedures shall be in place to ensure that all products handled, including those not stored on-site, remain under control and are not subject to contamination or substitution.”
Cross-docking operations must not compromise product traceability, safety, or integrity. Even with minimal handling and temporary presence, each product must be accurately identified, documented, and protected.
Key Compliance Objectives
-
✓ Prevent contamination from employees and visitors
✓ Ensure clear, documented hygiene rules are in place and enforced
✓ Provide regular training and refresher education
✓ Demonstrate hygiene compliance through monitoring and recordkeeping
Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation
1. Develop a Personal Hygiene Policy
-
Key Topics to Cover:
-
• Handwashing procedures
• Nail, jewelry, and cosmetics restrictions
• Illness and injury reporting
• Behavioral expectations (e.g., eating, drinking, smoking)
• Visitor and contractor hygiene requirements
Evidence to Maintain:
-
• Written hygiene policy signed by senior management
• Policy distribution and acknowledgment forms
• Posters and visual reminders in key areas
- • Handwashing procedures • Nail, jewelry, and cosmetics restrictions • Illness and injury reporting • Behavioral expectations (e.g., eating, drinking, smoking) • Visitor and contractor hygiene requirements
- • Written hygiene policy signed by senior management • Policy distribution and acknowledgment forms • Posters and visual reminders in key areas
2. Train and Educate Personnel
-
Training Should Include:
-
• Initial onboarding and job-specific hygiene expectations
• Annual refresher sessions
• Training on GMP, protective clothing, and cross-contamination risks
Evidence to Maintain:
-
• Training records with attendance logs
• Hygiene training materials and quizzes
• Corrective action forms for non-compliance
- • Initial onboarding and job-specific hygiene expectations • Annual refresher sessions • Training on GMP, protective clothing, and cross-contamination risks
- • Training records with attendance logs • Hygiene training materials and quizzes • Corrective action forms for non-compliance
3. Enforce Hygiene Practices on Site
-
Enforcement Mechanisms:
-
• Handwashing stations with signage and supplies
• PPE and uniform compliance checks
• Supervision and periodic spot checks
Evidence to Maintain:
-
• Handwashing and hygiene monitoring logs
• PPE usage verification forms
• Hygiene infraction reports and disciplinary records
- • Handwashing stations with signage and supplies • PPE and uniform compliance checks • Supervision and periodic spot checks
- • Handwashing and hygiene monitoring logs • PPE usage verification forms • Hygiene infraction reports and disciplinary records
4. Monitor, Review, and Improve
-
Review Methods Include:
-
• Internal audits and walkthroughs
• Observation during shift changes and breaks
• Staff feedback and suggestions
Evidence to Maintain:
-
• Hygiene audit reports
• Meeting notes with hygiene-related issues
• Policy updates based on trends or incidents
- • Internal audits and walkthroughs • Observation during shift changes and breaks • Staff feedback and suggestions
- • Hygiene audit reports • Meeting notes with hygiene-related issues • Policy updates based on trends or incidents
Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes
| Audit Finding | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Missing hygiene policy | Draft and approve a formal hygiene policy with management sign-off |
| Poor handwashing practices | Retrain staff and increase signage and monitoring |
| Inadequate PPE or improper use | Implement checks before line entry and provide proper gear |
| Non-compliant behavior not addressed | Apply disciplinary action and document follow-up training |