A quantitative study to the microbial safety performance of implemented food safety management systems in Europe

Introduction: Driven by various food safety crises and the high pressure from government and food authorities, European food processing companies have spent much efforts in their food safety management systems (FSMS) to control and assure microbial food safety of their products. However, have these efforts resulted in adequate functioning FSMS? Methods: A FSMS-Diagnostic Instrument (58 indicators/questions with grids including detailed level descriptions) was used to assess: microbial food safety (FS) levels, levels of core control and assurance activities, and risk levels of the context wherein the system has to operate. The principle behind the FSMS-DI is that companies operating in a higher risk context require more advanced FSMS activities to realize good FS performance, whereas in a less risky context activities at an average or basic level may be sufficient as well. In a quantitative study, 75 food processing companies (meat, dairy, fish sector) from various European countries have filled in the FSMS-DI. Dendogram statistics was applied to identify clusters of companies with similar context, FSMS activities and FS performance profiles. Results: First results showed that the majority of companies scored 2-3 (moderate-good) for food safety (FS) performance. Dendogram analysis distinguished clear groups differing in context riskiness, FSMS activity levels, and FS performance. It was e.g. found that the combination of a moderate-high risk context (2-3) and FSMS activities at a basic level (1) indeed resulted in a poor FS performance (1). Other clusters revealed that companies operating in an moderate-risk context (2), with an advanced FSMS (overall scores 2-3,3) were able to realize rather good safety performance (overall scores 2-3, 3) Conclusion: FSMS-DI gives a first insight in FS performance, in relation to efforts invested in FSMS activities in view of the context riskiness. implicated that mainly companies operating with rather risky products and processes were approached. An extension to other sectors (ranging in context risk) will provide further insight in the relationship between context, FSMS activities, and FS performance. This may contribute to development of effective and efficient FSMS