Why is Measuring Success so important? In the first part of this series, we covered the foundational elements of your Food Safety Management System (FSMS): having certified managers (Programs) and establishing clear written procedures (Procedures). But how do you know if these efforts are actually reducing risk?
The answer lies in the third, and perhaps most crucial, pillar of the FSMS: Measures Success.
Conducting Internal Audits for Measuring Success: The Power of Self-Inspection
Establishing solid procedures is a great start, but the only way to know if your FSMS is producing the intended results is to monitor its effectiveness. This is achieved by regularly conducting internal audits of your restaurant operations.
While self-inspections aren’t required by state and local health departments, conducting them regularly can significantly improve quality assurance and help you prepare for regulated health inspections.
You can conduct a thorough internal audit by:
- Self-Inspections and Checklists: Regularly going through comprehensive check-lists.
- Log Review: Reviewing temperature and storage logs.
- Employee Monitoring: Monitoring employee hygiene.
- Quality Controls: Conducting quality controls.
- Tracking Reports: Tracking health inspection reports.
If any inconsistencies are identified in your reports, you immediately know where the problem lies and can take swift measures to address the risk.
Involving Your Team: Empowering Employees
A successful food safety culture cannot be achieved solely by management—it requires buy-in from the entire team. Managers set the tone, but employees must be empowered to make smart choices.
Involve employees in the monitoring process by making opening and closing checklists a part of daily duties. By incorporating these into their routine:
- Routine Reinforcement: Your staff will be reminded to complete regular food safety operations.
- Empowerment: They will feel empowered knowing they have contributed to a safer workplace overall.
When workplace practices are rooted in strong, research-backed policies and procedures. Also employees are more empowered to make smart food safety decisions.
The Value of an Unbiased Review
While internal audits are vital, they can sometimes suffer from inherent blind spots. It’s highly beneficial to consider having a third-party organization audit your system as well.
Having an unbiased set of eyes reviewing your restaurant’s FSMS performance can help bring to light issues you might not have considered. Furthermore, third-party auditors can help keep quality assurance departments up to date on industry best practices.
By combining rigorous internal monitoring, empowered employee participation, and external, unbiased audits, you create a system that is constantly learning, adapting, and ultimately, ensuring the safest environment possible for your customers and staff.