What is the Definition of FSMS ?
Food Safety Management System (FSMS) cannot be separated from Food Safety because food safety is the reason that there is an FSMS programme. The FSMS programme helps FBOs to ensure that food is safe for human consumption. FSSAI has chalked out the FSMS programme in the regulations and FBOs are requi
*FSMS means the adoption of GMP, GHP, HACCP and other such practices to be followed by FBOs to ensure food safety.* Food Safety Management System (FSMS) cannot be separated from Food Safety because food safety is the reason that there is an FSMS programme. The FSMS programme helps FBOs to ensure that food is safe for human consumption. FSSAI has chalked out the FSMS programme in the regulations and FBOs are required to follow it. It is not possible to get a license unless the FBO provides details of the FSMS programme to FSSAI. According to the International Standard ISO 22003, FSMS is defined as a set of interrelated elements that establish policy and objectives. With the aim to achieve objectives some policies are used to direct and control the organization so that food safety is maintained. These interactive elements are
- Good Practices/ PRPs
- Hazard Analysis /HACCP
- Management Element / System
- Statutory and regulatory requirements
- Communication
There are several voluntary Food Safety Certifications that also help to meet food safety and to strengthen it, food safety system like; HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000 etc. In India Food safety management system (FSMS) is a set of systems that are interrelated and which when used in combination ensure that food is safe for human consumption. FSMS includes procedures and controls laid down by FSSAI. It incorporates Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Hygienic Practices (GHP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and some other practices as may be specified in the FSSAI regulations. For the FSMS system to be effective food businesses have to adopt all these regulatory procedures to ensure food safety. FSMS can therefore be defined as a system that uses GMP, GHP and HACCP and other requirements as defined under Schedule IV of FSS (Licensing & Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. Since FSMS ensures food safety hence it is the requirement for FBOs to submit a FSMS Plan specific for each FBO as per FSS Regulations.