Why FSMS Program is Important for FBOs ?

The Food Safety Management System (FSMS) has been designed to prevent food borne illnesses and to provide safe food for human consumption. The Apex food regulator in India ‘FSSAI’ has documented the FSMS program for all food businesses so that the safe food could be served to the consumer. A well designed FSMS program that has appropriate control measures can help food establishments to comply with food hygiene regulations and ensure that food prepared for sale is hygienic and safe for consumers.

Under FSS Act, it is mandatory for all FBOs to have a Food Safety and Management System program. Any FBO that applies for License or Renewal of License has to submit FSMS program related documents along with the application for license. The documents that you have to submit are described in the regulations but for your convenience we are sharing the important documents for FSMS Program. The compulsory documents are

• Process Flowchart
• FSMS Plan
• Self-Inspection Checklist (as per Schedule IV)

The Process Flow Chart 

The process flowchart for each food business unit will differ from business to business. The FBO needs to outline the entire process step by step from start to finish. However, some of the considerations that need to be taken into account could be the following (Sample):

Receipt of raw materials

↓

Appropriate storage in ideal location and temperature

↓

Manufacturing/Processing/Operational Activity

↓

Packaging

↓

Distribution/Dispatch

FSMS Plan 

The FSMS plan document is based on hazard analysis and will be filled up according to the requirements of the food business. You have to submit the FSMS plan along with the application for license. The following is a sample of FSMS plan form

For example: In a food manufacturing unit the FBO will write under

• Operational Step: incoming raw material and packaging
• Hazards: Physical like stone, wood etc. chemical pesticides, toxins etc microbiological like pathogens
• Control measures: For physical and chemical hazards supplier guarantee by your quality assurance department, FIFO systems and maintenance of humidity level for microbiological
• Critical Limit: As per FSSA and company’s internal specifications
• Monitoring Methods: Physical check of supplier guarantee and temperature and humidity monitoring
• Corrective Action: Reject supplies if not accompanied by supplier guarantee
• Responsibility: Store manager
• Record: Supplier guarantee and Store temperature logs

Self-Inspection checklist

The FSSAI regulations have defined the list of food businesses and also the Inspection checklists. The checklist ensures that food is safe for human consumption. FSSAI, in compliance to FSS Act, 2006 has prepared the checklists for the following categories of businesses

• General Category
• Milk and Milk Products
• Fats and Oils
• Confectionery Products
• Bakery
• Meat
• Fish
• Egg
• RTE
• Catering Establishments
• Fruit and Vegetable Processing
• Warehouse
• Transporter
• Retail Establishment

The FBO has to fill up the Inspection Report according to this FSSAI format. Given below is a sample of the self inspection report form 

Sample of Self-Inspection Report Form

The form will also cover all important points stated in Schedule 4 according to which the FBO will have to make observations according to these areas as a checklist.

The apex regulator has defined important heads while preparing the detailed checklist for inspection. Given below are some common heads under which the detailed checklists for inspection for different categories of businesses have been prepared by the Apex Regulator:

• LOCATION AND LAYOUT OF FOOD ESTABLISHMENT
• EQUIPMENT AND FIXTURES
• STORAGE SYSTEMS
• PERSONAL HYGIENE
• WATER SUPPLY
• PEST CONTROL SYSTEM
• CONVEYANCE AND TRANSPORTATION
• CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
• OPERATIONAL FEATURES
• DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS
• PRODUCT INFORMATION AND CONSUMER AWARENESS

Presently FSSAI under the Food Safety Management System covers; GMP/GHP/Schedule 4 and Critical Control Point identification and monitoring. FSSAI approved audit agency may inspect the FBOs on the scope of these criterion.