On August 16, 2024, the United States recalled chicken products that may be contaminated by foreign matter; on August 21, South Korea recalled Chinese-made black fungus with excessive levels of carbendazim. Food companies should attach great importance to food safety and hygiene issues.
The consequences of food safety and hygiene issues can be far-reaching, affecting not only short-term financial conditions but also long-term sustainability and growth.
1. Health risks:
- Foodborne disease outbreaks can have serious health consequences for consumers, leading to hospitalization and, in extreme cases, even death.
2. Financial losses
- The costs of investigating outbreaks, recalling products, and compensating affected customers can be very high, affecting the factory’s profits.
3. Reputational damage
- Food safety issues can seriously damage a brand’s reputation, leading to a loss of consumer trust and a drop in sales.
4. Regulatory penalties
- Failure to comply with food safety regulations can result in fines, sanctions, or even suspension of operations.
5. Increased operating costs
- Implementing corrective measures, upgrading equipment, and improving training programs can result in increased operating expenses.
6. Market share loss
- As consumer preferences shift away from brands associated with safety issues, competitors may gain market share.
So, how can foreign body contamination and carbendazim overdose be effectively prevented?
Preventing foreign body contamination and carbendazim overdose in food factories requires a comprehensive approach, including strict quality control, employee training, and effective monitoring. The following strategies can be referenced:
1. Preventing foreign body contamination:
A. Raw material inspection:
- Thoroughly inspect raw materials upon delivery for contaminants such as metal, glass, or plastic.
- Use magnets and metal detection systems to identify and remove foreign matter.
B. Equipment design:
- Use equipment with smooth surfaces and minimal crevices to reduce the risk of foreign matter accumulation.
- Regularly inspect and maintain machines to prevent wear and tear that can cause contamination.
C. Employee training:
- Train employees on the importance of identifying and reporting potential foreign matter.
- Develop procedures for handling materials to minimize the risk of contamination.
D. Cleaning procedures:
- Implement a rigorous cleaning program for equipment and production areas to eliminate potential sources of contamination.
- Use foam cleaning machines and ensure that they are regularly inspected for damage.
E. Monitoring and auditing:
- Audit the production process regularly to identify potential contamination points.
- Utilize checklists and documentation to ensure compliance with safety procedures.
2. Prevent excessive levels of carbendazim:
A. Supplier management:
- Work closely with suppliers to ensure that they adhere to safe pesticide application practices and limit the use of carbendazim in accordance with regulations.
- Request raw material analysis certificates to verify compliance with safety standards.
B. Quality control testing:
- Routinely test incoming raw materials for pesticide residues, including carbendazim.
- Establish thresholds for acceptable residue levels and reject any material that exceeds this limit.
C. Employee awareness:
- Educate employees about the risks of carbendazim and the importance of complying with safety regulations.
- Ensure employees understand the correct procedures for handling and processing raw materials.
D. Regulatory compliance:
- Stay up to date with local and international regulations on pesticide use and ensure that all operations comply with them.
- Work with regulatory agencies to ensure practices meet current safety standards.
E. Documentation and traceability:
- Maintain detailed records of pesticide use, test results, and supplier certifications to ensure traceability.
- Implement a strong traceability system to quickly identify and address sources of contamination when issues arise.
By integrating these strategies, food plants can effectively reduce the risk of foreign matter contamination and excessive levels of carbendazim, ensuring products are safer and meet food safety standards.
