The answer is not always training. Let’s explore why ⬇️
Food safety procedures are in place to protect consumers, ensure compliance, and maintain product integrity. Yet, companies often find that employees do not consistently follow these procedures, even when training has been provided.
What is causing these lapses, and how can companies address them?
Why Employees Skip Food Safety Procedures
???? Lack of Awareness on Real Impact
Employees may not fully understand how small mistakes contribute to serious food safety risks.
???? Time Pressures and Productivity Targets
In fast-paced production environments, workers may prioritise speed over safety.
???? Inconsistent Reinforcement from Leadership
If managers do not prioritise food safety daily, employees are less likely to see it as essential.
???? Repetitive and Unengaging Training
If training does not connect with real-world applications, employees may disengage or forget key practices.
???? Workplace Culture Conflicts
If food safety is not embedded into the workplace culture, employees may follow informal habits rather than documented procedures.
How Companies Can Strengthen Food Safety Culture
At Certima, we observe that companies improve food safety culture when procedures are reinforced beyond training sessions. Some key focus areas include:
✅ Leadership Commitment
When management actively supports and participates in food safety efforts, employees are more likely to follow procedures.
✅ Clear Communication of Food Safety Expectations
Ensuring that expectations are practical, understandable, and consistently reinforced.
✅ Frequent Workplace Engagement
Daily check-ins, safety talks, and active employee involvement in audits help create ownership of food safety.
✅ Structured Monitoring and Verification
Regular internal audits and observations ensure that procedures are followed as intended.
Certima’s Mission
Certima conducts impartial audits to assess compliance with international food safety standards such as IFS and BRCGS. While we do not provide advice or operational guidance, through our audits we support food companies to demonstrate their commitment and capabilities to deliver products that are safe, legally compliant, and up to the specification of their customers.
How does your business ensure that food safety procedures are consistently followed? We would love to hear your thoughts.