One of the goals of the Food Safety and Inspection Service’s Strategic Plan is to “ensure that facilities implement safeguards and systems to protect food from contamination by people who might try to intentionally and maliciously harm consumers.” The Agency has a FY 2015 target of 90% of all establishments having a functional food defense plan. Since 2006, annual surveys have been conducted to measure progress. The largest establishments currently exceed the goal (97% have a functional plan) while the very small establishments are not yet at the target.
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to implement measures to protect the food supply from intentional contamination. A proposed rule to address hazards resulting from intentional contamination was issued on December 24, 2013.
Both FSIS and FDA have taken substantial measures to assist the food industry in the development of food defense plans. The FSIS webpage includes a tool that an establishment can download to select the specific elements appropriate for their facility. FDA maintains an on-line food defense plan builder free to all users. Once a plan is documented, the establishment must implement the plan. Steps to implementing a food defense plan include:
- Testing the plan (e.g., check locked doors, take unannounced walks around the perimeter), and
- Reviewing and maintaining the plan (review and update as needed).
Food defense plans should be tailored to the facility. Small establishments do not need to make the plan overly burdensome. For example, a plant that only employs family members would not need background checks on employees as a critical element. However, this establishment could document the use of door locks and outdoor lighting at key locations in the facility.
Areas to be considered in a food defense plan are: outside security, inside security, personnel security measures and incident response security measures.
When I go visit any establishment, I am always asked to show my identification. I am always escorted during the visit, and I see emergency plans posted at every facility. These are all elements of a food defense program. If these elements for secure food are already in place, it is logical that they could easily be documented and verified by the establishment.
I encourage those plants that are not currently maintaining a functional food defense plan to review the FSIS and FDA websites. I challenge them to consider that they very likely already have all the elements in place for a food defense plan – the plan just needs to be documented. By documenting the plan – the establishment is taking the necessary steps to ensure all team members are aware of the program and are taking steps to consistently implement it.
If by maintaining a functional food defense plan we can contribute to a safer and more secure food supply, then I am certain we are all in favor of meeting this objective.
