Food manufacturing doesn’t begin and ends with just having a product and the market for the product. A key aspect of producing food is ensuring that food safety measures are involved in the production process and the environment so that the food we produce does not harm the consumer. Good Manufacturing Practices help you achieve this in your food production facility. Good Manufacturing Practices are the fundamental operational and environmental conditions required to produce safe foods. Good Manufacturing Practices are guidelines and standards specifying the appropriate methods, equipment, facilities, and controls that should be in place for producing safe and wholesome food products. These practices are the minimum requirements for maintaining a hygienic and controlled environment throughout the food manufacturing processes. 

What is the function of GMP in your food facility?

• GMPs give you guidelines on the proper methods you should use in various stages of food production, and this includes procedures for handling raw materials, processing, packaging, and distribution;
• GMPs specify the types of equipment and machinery that you should use in food production. Properly maintained and calibrated equipment is essential to prevent contamination and ensure the consistency of product quality;
•   GMPs outline the design and maintenance standards for your production facilities. Adequate space, proper ventilation, and sanitation are crucial to creating an environment that minimizes the risk of foodborne illnesses and contamination; 
• GMPs emphasize the need for controls throughout your production process. They include quality control measures to monitor and verify that your food products meet specified standards.

What do the guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practices cover?

The guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practices provide specifications on how to make your food facility’s operational and environmental conditions meet the requirements for producing safe food. These guidelines give specifications for the buildings and facilities, equipment and utensils, employee health, hygiene, hand washing, process and production control, and defect-level action.

Here are some tips to help you get started on your journey to implementing GMP in your food facility:

1. Buildings and Facilities:

• Ensure facility infrastructure meets stringent standards.
• Construct walls with smooth, non-toxic surfaces and proper sealing to prevent pests.
• Maintain clean ceilings, floors, doors, and ventilation systems.
• Surrounding premises should be well-maintained to reduce pest activity.
• Proper waste disposal systems and regular cleaning of waste receptacles are essential.

2. Equipment Guidelines:

• Design equipment with food-grade materials to prevent contamination.
• Prohibit the use of non-food grade materials for temporary design or repair.
• Ensure equipment is easy to clean, free of rough surfaces, and devoid of potential contamination points.
• Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to prevent rust, leaks, and contamination risks.
• Store and manage equipment and utensils in a sanitary manner when not in use.

3. Process and Production Control:

• Inspect, segregate, and handle raw materials to ensure cleanliness and suitability.
• Store raw materials properly to prevent contamination and deterioration.
• Verify supplier guarantees or certifications for raw material safety.
• Maintain manufacturing equipment, utensils, and finished food containers through cleaning and sanitizing.
• Implement effective measures to protect against extraneous material inclusion and prevent contamination during various manufacturing steps.

4. Employee Hygiene:

• Wear clean outer garments and boots or shoe covers.
• Practice hand hygiene, especially before entering food handling areas, after using the toilet, after smoking or eating, and when handling unsanitary materials. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds and sanitize regularly.
• Wear hair nets, beard covers, etc., as appropriate.
• Store clothing and personal items away from process areas.
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At Fresh Group, we recognize your dedication to delivering safe and top-quality food products. Our food safety and quality consulting services are suited to assist you in seamlessly implementing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). We specialize in optimizing your building and facility design, providing expert guidance on equipment selection, and refining process and production controls. Let us be your trusted partner in ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices as we work together to create a robust foundation for your good manufacturing practices. Contact us today to embark on a journey toward excellence, where your facilities, equipment, and processes align with the highest industry standards for safety and quality.

FSQ Writer: Oluwatobi Eniyandunmo 

Reviewed by: Raphael Samson 

Kindly reach out to Fresh Group Food Safety And Quality Consulting for any food quality and safety inquiries.