Quality Management Systems for the Food Industry

The ISO 9001/2 series of standards for Quality Managment Systems is of increasing importance to the food and drink industry; it functions as an outward and visible sign to customers that the industry has a defined quality management system that has been independently appraised and is regularly audited. ISO 9001/2 certification can enable a company to reduce the audit burden from a multitude of customers and can also help the manufacturer or distributor involved in auditing its own suppliers. Above all, it may improve the effectiveness of its own operation and profits. Quality Management Systems for the Food Industry describes what the standards are, what they mean and how to acheive them, and identifies both the potential benefits and limitations. It discusses choice of assessment house, whether to use consultants or not, and particularly points out the detail that assessors will be looking for. Guidance is given on the basic format for a suitable quality management system. This book should be of interest to quality assurance personnel.