What is the primary purpose of a food safety management system?

The primary purpose of a food safety management system is to ensure food safety and quality. This system is designed to prevent foodborne illnesses and hazards by implementing processes and controls throughout the food production and handling chain. These processes include identifying potential hazards, establishing critical control points, monitoring procedures, and conducting regular audits, all aimed at maintaining high standards for the safety and quality of food products.

While enhancing food presentation, minimizing food waste, and improving customer satisfaction are important aspects of food service and production, they are secondary benefits that can result from an effective food safety management system. Without prioritizing food safety and quality, a business could compromise its products and the health of its customers, leading to severe consequences. Therefore, ensuring food safety and quality is at the core of what such a system aims to achieve.