P1-113 An Overview of Food Safety Compliance and Technical Accreditation in the Welsh Food and Drink Manufacturing and Processing Industry

Monday, July 10, 2017
Exhibit Hall (Tampa Convention Center)
Ellen W. Evans , ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University , Cardiff , United Kingdom
Leanne Ellis , ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University , Cardiff , United Kingdom
Ann Marie Flinn , Food Technology Centre, Coleg Menai , Anglesey , United Kingdom
Jessica Lacey , ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University , Cardiff , United Kingdom
Jamie Old , ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University , Cardiff , United Kingdom
David Lloyd , ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University , Cardiff , United Kingdom
Helen Taylor , ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, Cardiff Metropolitan University , Cardiff , United Kingdom
Introduction: It is essential for food and drink manufacturing and processing businesses (FDMPBs) to have food-safety scheme compliance/technical accreditation (FSSC/TA) to ensure product safety, enable brand protection, and to evidence due diligence in compliance with UK food law. Currently, data detailing the FSSC/TA of FDMPBs in Wales are lacking.

Purpose:  This study aimed to provide an in-depth overview of FDMPBs FSSC/TA in Wales, including the drivers, benefits, barriers, and support to enable Welsh FDMPBs to obtain/maintain FSSC/TA.

Methods: A mixed-methods research approach was utilized, including self-completed questionnaires by Welsh FDMPBs (n=103) to identify FSSC/TA, focus groups with FDMPBs and stakeholders (n=59) to identify barriers to obtaining/maintaining FSSC/TA, and self-completed-questionnaires (n=34) to identify required support.

Results: The majority of Welsh FDMPBs (60%) reported having FSSC/TA, including British Retail Consortium (BRC) (24%) and Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA) (16%). Micro-FDMPBs (<10 employees/turnover <£250,000) were associated with lack of FSSC/TA (P<0.001). SALSA was most frequently found among small/medium-FDMPBs, and BRC was associated with large-FDMPBs (>250 employees/turnover >£50M) (P<0.001). It was determined that FDMPBs with FSSC/TA were significantly more likely (P<0.05) to supply wholesale, major retailers, food service, and the public sectors than those without FSSC/TA. Customer requirement was the key drivers for FSSC/TA. Identified benefits of FSSC/TA included supply chain security and business growth. Barriers to obtaining/maintaining FSSC/TA were broadly defined as, knowledge and skills, time, cost and resources, and communication and access to information. Support to overcome barriers included funding for training and advice, assistance with the implementation of food safety management systems, and pre-audits.

Significance: Significant associations were determined between sector, size, and accreditation. The research has identified the support required for Welsh FDMPBs to overcome the barriers to obtaining/maintaining FSSC/TA. Such data may inform the development of support mechanisms to enable increased uptake of FSSC/TA and accelerate food sector growth that will align with Welsh Government aspirations.