External and Internal Communication example

Hi there, can somebody explain and show the example of internal and external communication determination using the what, when, whom, how and who?

Hi sinush03,

ISO 22000 already gives examples of external communication:

7.4.2 External communication

The organization shall establish, implement and maintain effective communications with:

a) external providers and contractors;

b) customers and/or consumers, in relation to:

1) product information related to food safety, to enable the handling, display, storage, preparation, distribution and use of the product within the food chain or by the consumer;

2) identified foods safety hazards that need to be controlled by other organizations in the food chain and/or by consumers;

3) contractual arrangements, enquiries and orders, including their amendments;

4) customer and/or consumer feedback, including complaints;

c) statutory and regulatory authorities;

d) other organizations that have an impact on, or will be affected by, the effectiveness or updating of the FSMS

This communication should also include information given on labels including ingredients, allergen content and handling, storage & cooking instructions (if applicable).

7.4.3 Internal communication

To maintain the effectiveness of the FSMS, the organization shall ensure that the food safety team is informed in a timely manner of changes in the following:

a) products or new products;

b) raw materials, ingredients and services;

c) production systems and equipment;

d) production premises, location of equipment and surrounding environment;

e) cleaning and sanitation programmes;

f) packaging, storage and distribution systems;

g) competencies and/or allocation of responsibilities and authorizations;

h) applicable statutory and regulatory requirements;

i) knowledge regarding food safety hazards and control measures;

j) customer, sector and other requirements that the organization observes;

k) relevant enquiries and communications from external interested parties;

l) complaints and alerts indicating food safety hazards associated with the end product;

m) other conditions that have an impact on food safety.

The food safety team shall ensure that this information is included when updating the FSMS (see 4.4 and 10.3).

I would say that not just the food safety team need to be informed but management in general as well and other relevant personnel (for example good in when there are raw material changes). Internal communication processes can include:

-           Team briefings

-           Staff reviews

-           Memos

-           Daily Management meetings

-           Shift Handover meetings

-           Newsletters

-           Notice boards

Kind regards,

Tony

We have these tables in our Management Responsibility document.