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Food safety management systems and certifications sheet
10-mark answer frame

What is a food safety management system? Explain FSSAI's FSMS requirements and the certifications available.

How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.

  1. 1 · Open in two lines. An FSMS is a planned, documented system that controls food hazards every day. FSSAI requires licensed FBOs to have a documented FSMS plan.
  2. 2 · Draw the FSMS pyramid. [Diagram: pyramid with PRPs (GMP/GHP) at the base, HACCP plan in the middle, management (policy, training, audit, review) at the top]
  3. 3 · Components.
    • Prerequisite programmes.
    • HACCP plan.
    • Policy, responsibilities, training, documents, internal audit, review.
  4. 4 · FSSAI requirements.
    • Documented FSMS plan.
    • Hygiene and sanitary practices.
    • FoSTaC-trained Food Safety Supervisor.
    • Third-party audits where notified; display board.
  5. 5 · Certifications.
    • ISO 22000.
    • FSSC 22000 (GFSI).
    • BRCGS (GFSI).
    • ISO 9001 and HACCP certification.
  6. 6 · Indian schemes. FSSAI Hygiene Rating (smileys) and the Eat Right India movement: Eat Right Campus, Clean Street Food Hub, BHOG.
  7. 7 · In a hospital kitchen. PRPs plus HACCP, a trained supervisor, and possibly ISO 22000 or a hygiene rating.
  8. 8 · Close in one line. The law sets the minimum FSMS; certification shows buyers that the system works.

Scoring tip: The three-layer pyramid is the easiest diagram in this unit and anchors the whole answer.