We are in the process of implementing a knife and scissor inventory system. Basically, all items will be inventoried and numbered, and then each day knives and scissors will be signed in and out.
How do you deal with missing and unreturned items? Disciplinary actions sure, but on the food safety side, how do you explain to an auditor that we had X number of knives go missing?
Thanks,
Hi asanga,
You have requested a response from a purely FS POV. This might be equally interpreted as "from a consumer's safety POV".
I assume the current control measures to prevent such an event are haccp-categorized as a Prerequisite program.
I anticipate that a typical auditorial query would be as to yr appropriate haccp corrective actions for such an event. Presumably this would, minimally, immediately come within the Validation/Verification aspect of Prerequisites.
I assume that all the materials which are potentially time-associated with the event are known and remain on the premises.
I asssume that the risk that the missing knife is in any of the above materials is "indeterminate".
IMO there are then only 2 options as far as the associated materials are concerned. Reprocess or reject.
The haccp team will obviously need to discuss/document whether the hazard of "lost knives" can continue to be controlled as a Prerequisite or not. And if so, what further controls need to be implemented.
Theoretically (and Financially), it involves elements such as Risk Assessment, Risk Management, etc. > Crisis Management > Management Committment ?