Food Safety and Quality Objectives
Aligned with BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 – Clause 1.1: Senior Management Commitment
Requirement Overview: BRCGS Clause 1.1.3
“The site’s senior management shall set clear objectives for the site to maintain and improve the safety, legality, and quality of products manufactured.”
BRCGS requires senior management to define measurable, realistic, and time-bound objectives that drive continuous improvement in food safety and product quality. These objectives must be communicated, monitored, and reviewed regularly to ensure site-wide engagement and accountability.
Aligned with BRCGS for Storage & Distribution Issue 4 – Clause 4.3.1 & 4.3.3
Requirement Overview
BRCGS for Storage & Distribution requires that products moved via cross-docking are traceable and controlled at all times, even when they are not held in storage for extended periods.
Clause 4.3.1: “The company shall ensure that traceability is maintained at all stages, including during cross-docking operations.”
Clause 4.3.3: “Procedures shall be in place to ensure that all products handled, including those not stored on-site, remain under control and are not subject to contamination or substitution.”
Cross-docking operations must not compromise product traceability, safety, or integrity. Even with minimal handling and temporary presence, each product must be accurately identified, documented, and protected.
Key Compliance Objectives
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✓ Establish measurable food safety and quality targets
✓ Align objectives with the food safety policy and business goals
✓ Communicate objectives clearly to relevant staff
✓ Review progress and adjust goals regularly
Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation
1. Define SMART Objectives
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Objective Criteria:
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• Specific to site risks, product types, and customer expectations
• Measurable through KPIs and trend analysis
• Achievable and aligned with available resources
• Relevant to food safety and quality performance
• Time-bound with clear deadlines for review
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Written objectives with assigned KPIs
• Documentation linking objectives to the food safety policy
• Objectives approval signed by senior management
- • Specific to site risks, product types, and customer expectations • Measurable through KPIs and trend analysis • Achievable and aligned with available resources • Relevant to food safety and quality performance • Time-bound with clear deadlines for review
- • Written objectives with assigned KPIs • Documentation linking objectives to the food safety policy • Objectives approval signed by senior management
2. Communicate Objectives Across the Site
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Communication Methods:
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• Staff meetings and briefings
• Posted dashboards or visual boards in production areas
• Internal emails or memos from management
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Communication records (meeting minutes, announcements)
• Awareness training or orientation slides
• Staff acknowledgement or quiz results (optional)
- • Staff meetings and briefings • Posted dashboards or visual boards in production areas • Internal emails or memos from management
- • Communication records (meeting minutes, announcements) • Awareness training or orientation slides • Staff acknowledgement or quiz results (optional)
3. Monitor Performance and Progress
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Tracking Tools:
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• Monthly or quarterly data reviews
• Non-conformance trends and root cause summaries
• Internal audits, quality checks, or customer feedback
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Objective tracking reports or dashboards
• Completed KPI reviews and action logs
• Corrective and preventive action plans (CAPAs), where applicable
- • Monthly or quarterly data reviews • Non-conformance trends and root cause summaries • Internal audits, quality checks, or customer feedback
- • Objective tracking reports or dashboards • Completed KPI reviews and action logs • Corrective and preventive action plans (CAPAs), where applicable
4. Review and Update Objectives Annually
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Review Process Includes:
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• Evaluation of objective outcomes
• Feedback from team leads and QA staff
• Alignment with new risks, products, or regulatory updates
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Annual review meeting notes
• Revised list of objectives with updated targets
• Documentation of any changes to strategy or focus
- • Evaluation of objective outcomes • Feedback from team leads and QA staff • Alignment with new risks, products, or regulatory updates
- • Annual review meeting notes • Revised list of objectives with updated targets • Documentation of any changes to strategy or focus
Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes
| Audit Finding | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| No documented food safety objectives | Create and formalize SMART objectives aligned with company policy |
| Objectives not communicated to staff | Use meetings, visuals, and email to share key goals |
| No review or measurement process | Implement routine KPI tracking and annual reviews |
| Objectives not linked to actual outcomes | Use relevant metrics tied to safety, quality, or legal compliance |