Management Review Procedures

Aligned with FSSC 22000 – Management Commitment & Review Requirements

Requirement Overview

Under FSSC 22000, senior management must review the performance of the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) at planned intervals to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness. Reviews must be based on objective evidence and focus on opportunities for improvement, changes that could affect the FSMS, and resource needs.

Management review is a structured, documented process that ensures the FSMS remains aligned with organizational objectives, complies with applicable standards and regulations, and responds effectively to internal and external changes.

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

  • Ensure food safety and quality systems are reviewed regularly and effectively

    Drive continuous improvement using data-driven insights

    Promote leadership accountability and cross-functional involvement

    Maintain complete and auditable documentation of all reviews and outcomes

Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation

1. Define the Review Frequency and Schedule

  • Considerations:

    • Reviews must occur at planned intervals (e.g., quarterly, biannually, or annually)

      Frequency should be based on the complexity of operations, risk levels, and past performance

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • Annual review calendar with assigned responsibilities

      Meeting invitations and attendance logs

2. Identify Key Inputs to Review

  • Required Inputs Include:

    • Internal and external audit results

      Non-conformance reports and corrective actions

      Customer complaints and feedback trends

      Food safety incidents, withdrawals, or recalls

      KPI performance trends (e.g., hygiene, training, supplier performance)

      Updates to legal, regulatory, or customer requirements

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • Review agenda listing all required inputs

      Supporting data reports and summaries

3. Conduct the Management Review Meeting

  • Best Practices:

    • Led by the senior site manager or FSMS leader

      Participation from all relevant departments (QA, Production, HR, Procurement, etc.)

      Follow a structured agenda with defined discussion points

      Allocate time for risk evaluation and decision-making

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • Signed meeting minutes

      Presentations or handouts used during the review

      Attendance sheet and documented action items

4. Document Decisions, Actions, and Improvements

  • Review Outcomes Must Include:

    • Opportunities for improvement and preventive actions

      Resource requirements and approvals

      Food safety culture updates and initiatives

      Changes to objectives, policies, or procedures

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • Action plan with responsibilities and deadlines

      Progress tracking logs

      Records of follow-up meetings

5. Communicate and Follow Through

  • Communication Channels:

    • Department briefings and staff meetings

      Email summaries to affected teams

      Integration of changes into SOPs, objectives, and training programs

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • Communication records or memos

      Updated procedures and training logs

      Evidence of implementation

Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes

Audit Finding Recommended Action
No formal management review process Establish a documented procedure with defined intervals
Missing required input data Create a standard template listing mandatory review inputs
Lack of follow-up on action items Implement a tracking log with deadlines and assigned owners
Limited leadership participation Ensure active involvement of all senior managers and key departments

Auditor Verification Checklist

During an audit, be ready to provide:

  • Documented management review procedure and schedule

    Full records of recent management review meetings

    Review inputs (audit data, complaints, incidents, KPI trends)

    Meeting minutes, action plans, and follow-up evidence

    Communication records of implemented changes

Implementation Roadmap

Build Your Program

  • Develop a formal Management Review SOP

    Define review frequency, required inputs, and responsibilities

Train and Execute

  • Train leadership on their role in management reviews

    Use structured agendas and data-driven decision-making

Track and Follow Up

  • Assign ownership for all action items

    Monitor completion and address unresolved issues

Improve Continuously

  • Refine the review process based on performance outcomes

    Align review results with business goals and food safety culture initiatives

Why Management Review Matters

  • Strengthens leadership accountability and oversight

    Supports continual improvement of the FSMS

    Ensures readiness for third-party audits and regulatory inspections

    Improves communication and alignment across departments

Support Tools Available

Food Safety Systems provides:

  • Management review agenda and minutes templates

    KPI dashboards and trend analysis forms

    Action tracking logs and follow-up templates

    Leadership training modules on FSMS governance
Need help developing or auditing your management review program? Our consultants can support you step-by-step.