Controlling Risk: The Elements of a Food Safety Management System

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Promoting and enhancing the safety of the nation’s food supply chain is atop priority for the National Restaurant Association. During National Food Safety Month (NFSM), the Association will focus on “Controlling Risk: The Elements of a Food Safety Management System.”

A Food Safety Management System (FSMS) is a systematic approach to controlling food safety hazards and ensuring that food is safe to eat. It also is a practical tool that restaurants can choose to combine with existing mandated programs to ensure employees understand and follow safe food handling practices.

“The Food and Drug Administration Risk Factor Study indicates having the presence of a well-developed food safety management system is the strongest predictor of having lower occurrences of food safetyissues,” said Sherman L. Brown, Executive Vice President, Training & Certification, National Restaurant Association. “This year we’re emphasizing the importance of having a solid food safety management system as a framework for keeping guests, employees, and the business safe.”

The 2019 NFSM campaign also aims to reinforce the key role employees play in making sure the food safety management system works the way it should. To help managers drive home FSFM concepts, new training tools and resources will be available each week, including free downloadable activities, posters, and infographics on these themes:

  • Week 1: Understanding the FSMS Process

  • Week 2: Providing Input

  • Week 3: Refining the Process

  • Week 4: Maintaining Commitment

This year’s NFSM campaign is sponsored by Tork, an Essity brand.

NFSM, held annually in September, was created in 1994 by the National Restaurant Association to heighten awareness about the importance of food safety education. As part of its campaign, the Association offers free resources for foodservice industry professionals.

To join the conversation, follow @ServSafe on Twitter and use the hashtag #NFSM19. For more information and resources on NFSM, visit FoodSafetyFocus.com.