Food Safety and Quality Objectives
Aligned with FSSC 22000 – Management Commitment
Requirement Overview
Under FSSC 22000, senior management is responsible for establishing measurable objectives for food safety and quality that are consistent with the organization’s food safety policy, support continual improvement, and ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and customer requirements.
These objectives must be realistic, measurable, and communicated throughout the organization. Progress must be monitored, reviewed, and used to drive continuous improvement in the Food Safety Management System (FSMS).
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
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✓ Establish measurable food safety and quality targets
✓ Align objectives with the food safety policy and overall business strategy
✓ Communicate objectives to all relevant personnel
✓ Monitor performance and review objectives regularly
Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation
1. Define SMART Objectives
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Objective Criteria:
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• Specific to the organization’s food safety risks, products, and customer expectations
• Measurable through KPIs, data analysis, or audit results
• Achievable based on resources and operational capacity
• Relevant to food safety and quality performance
• Time-bound with clear deadlines for review
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Written objectives with assigned KPIs
• Documentation linking objectives to the food safety policy
• Records of senior management approval
- • Specific to the organization’s food safety risks, products, and customer expectations • Measurable through KPIs, data analysis, or audit results • Achievable based on resources and operational capacity • Relevant to food safety and quality performance • Time-bound with clear deadlines for review
- • Written objectives with assigned KPIs • Documentation linking objectives to the food safety policy • Records of senior management approval
2. Communicate Objectives Across the Organization
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Communication Methods:
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• Team meetings and departmental briefings
• Visual management boards or digital dashboards
• Internal email updates or management announcements
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Meeting minutes, memos, or communication records
• Training materials or onboarding presentations
• Acknowledgement forms or staff feedback (if applicable)
- • Team meetings and departmental briefings • Visual management boards or digital dashboards • Internal email updates or management announcements
- • Meeting minutes, memos, or communication records • Training materials or onboarding presentations • Acknowledgement forms or staff feedback (if applicable)
3. Monitor Performance and Progress
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Tracking Tools:
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• Regular KPI reviews (monthly, quarterly)
• Analysis of non-conformance trends and corrective actions
• Internal audit results and customer feedback reports
Evidence to Maintain:
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• KPI tracking reports and dashboards
• Completed review logs and action plans
• Corrective and preventive action (CAPA) documentation
- • Regular KPI reviews (monthly, quarterly) • Analysis of non-conformance trends and corrective actions • Internal audit results and customer feedback reports
- • KPI tracking reports and dashboards • Completed review logs and action plans • Corrective and preventive action (CAPA) documentation
4. Review and Update Objectives
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Review Process Includes:
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• Assessment of results against targets
• Input from relevant managers and FSMS team members
• Adjustments based on new risks, products, or requirements
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Review meeting notes
• Updated objectives and revised KPIs
• Records of changes in strategy or priorities
- • Assessment of results against targets • Input from relevant managers and FSMS team members • Adjustments based on new risks, products, or requirements
- • Review meeting notes • Updated objectives and revised KPIs • Records of changes in strategy or priorities
Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes
| Audit Finding | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| No documented food safety objectives | Develop and document SMART objectives linked to the FSMS |
| Objectives not communicated to staff | Share goals via meetings, visual boards, and internal communications |
| No monitoring or review process | Implement regular KPI tracking and annual performance reviews |
| Objectives not linked to outcomes | Use performance indicators that measure real safety and quality improvements |