[Up Front] Changes on the Horizon: Revolution of the GMPs

I began working at AIB in the 1970s when the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) were first introduced. As a novice to the food industry, I studied the regulations (although they were more like guidance documents at the time) with interest. The more I understood the importance of the GMPs, the more I appreciated them. Each regulation was based on common sense and expressed the expectations of the industry by creating an environment focused on producing safe food.

The food industry has undergone considerable changes since the CGMPs were last revised in 1986. Last November, the FDA released the Food CGMP Modernization – A Focus on Food Safety docket for public comments. A working group has proposed several areas for modernization, specifically training. In fact, the word is found 81 times in the FDA docket. The modernization will require "appropriate training for supervisors and workers to ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise in food hygiene, food protection, employee health, and personal hygiene to produce safe food products. This training must be delivered in a manner that can be easily understood by the worker."

It is apparent that industry experts and regulatory officials involved in the GMP modernization process recognize the importance of employee education. However, as a member of the food industry, I feel that businesses should not need government enforcement to realize the importance of education. In today’s policy-driven industry, we devote too much time to developing procedures, programs and manuals, and not enough time equipping employees.

Although seminars and third-party instructors are very beneficial, YOU are the most effective educator for your employees! Videos, correspondence courses and online products are great, but your actions set the standard for what you expect from employees. Teaching comes naturally for some people; for others it is a struggle. Regardless of your comfort level, it is important that you learn how to teach effectively. Remember, training sessions are valuable tools, but your employees will learn the most from one-on-one contact. Take time each day to share with your employees the elements required for them to safely perform their jobs.

As stated in the FDA docket, training isn’t limited to line workers. ALL plant employees, from transporters and contractors, to supervisors and corporate employees should be educated. Don’t assume training happens in your facility, make it part of your everyday job. After all it is the single most important element of the modernized GMPs. AIB

The author is Vice President of Food Safety Education, AIB International.

It is apparent that industry experts and regulatory officials involved in the GMP modernization process recognize the importance of employee education. However, as a member of the food industry, I feel that businesses should not need government enforcement to realize the importance of education.