Food Defense Training for Security Guards

Hello, what are the training requirements or training guidelines for security guards? Should they have Food Defense Awareness training though they aren't at Actionable Process Steps for food production? Thank you for your help.

OOOH, good questions! 

• what are the training requirements or training guidelines for security guards?
  • ​Do they at any time enter your facility, or are they gate guards?
    • ​If they enter the facility, they will be required to undergo the same training you provide all contractors which could be dependent on the areas they are allowed access.
• Should they have Food Defense Awareness training though they aren't at Actionable Process Steps for food production?
  • ​Yes, I think they should ​have some type of training, dependent on the access level they have to your facility. Even a gate guard should be aware that you produce food and the security risks inherent to that (terroristic, disgruntled employee, etc.). You might want to thoroughly review their security contract (I assume they aren't company employees) and make sure there is no overlap
  • Must they have training if they don't enter the facility? I can't think of any GFSI scheme that would give you a NC for not training them if they don't have access to your food. Unless your training policy or contractor policy says you do.

Too many questions about this one. Are they related at all to your food defense? If so, probably everything you would train all of your other employees for as tehy are likely in the building. If they are a contracted service then I agree with TimG. If you directly employ them and they EVER enter the facility, I would make sure they at least have specific training on basic GMPs and a good background knowledge of your processes relating to food safety. The level of training really depends on their specific function to the facility.

Our new guard will patrol the ezterior only and fencing line by the canal - he is licensed to carry an uzi - that is our exterior food defense program.