Are you in the food manufacturing business? If so, you must keep to date with Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP).
Even the most experienced business owner can make mistakes that affect food safety. You need to be proactive and follow best practices in every area of the food production process.
What is cGMP? What do you need to know about it? Read on for our brief guide.
What Is cGMP?
Current Good Manufacturing Practice refers to the regulations that govern the manufacturing processes and facilities involved in producing food and pharmaceuticals. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) administers the regulations.
CGMP regulations ensure that manufacturers maintain their equipment to a high standard. They also require that employees have the right qualifications and training to work with the equipment. The term "current" means that food manufacturers must keep on top of the latest technologies and processes.
What Do the cGMP Regulations Cover?
The cGMP manufacturing guidelines for producing food and dietary supplements were established in 1969. They are published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). They form the basis for FDA inspections to check whether food manufacturers follow best practices. How?
The rules for cGMP compliance are divided into sections:
- General provisions
- Buildings and facilities
- Equipment
- Production controls and processes
- Defect action levels
The general provisions include personnel requirements for cleanliness as well as education and training.
The buildings and facilities regulations include subsections covering plant and ground maintenance, sanitation operations, sanitary facilities, and controls.
The rules also define the maximum defect action levels (DALs) for food defects that are natural or unavoidable even when manufacturers comply with the other sections.
The Importance of CGMP Training
If a facility fails a cGMP inspection, the FDA issues a form requiring them to provide a detailed explanation of the reason and the steps they will take to become compliant. A facility that fails to comply could have regulatory consequences, including monetary fines. Worse yet, if a consumer becomes ill from food produced in a non-compliant facility, the company can face legal proceedings.
If your role involves any aspect of food manufacturing that cGMP covers, you need to get cGMP training. You also need to provide training to your staff.
The first section of the regulations shows the importance of training for employees. It requires supervision to make sure they follow the regulations.
Training employees is an ongoing process. It isn't enough to run a single training course when an employee starts their job. They need to receive training throughout their career. You should also keep the training program and materials up to date with the latest job requirements and cGMP regulations.
A good training program improves productivity and ensures that your food products are of the best quality.
Keep Up to Date With Current Good Manufacturing Practice
Following Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations is essential to ensure that your equipment and processes meet the FDA's standards. It will help you keep up with the latest technologies of food manufacturing processes. And it will ensure that you and your employees are well trained.
If you need to find a training provider or food safety consultant, we can help. We provide a range of courses for manufacturing and processing as well as food safety. We have a great cGMP program that can be customized to your company. Our consulting team offers services to help your business comply with regulations and develop cGMP programs. Contact us to find out more.