Vertical Markets

Food and drink tampering standard

by Mark Rowe

BSI, the business standards company has revised its PAS (Publicly Available Specification) that safeguards food and drink against malicious tampering. PAS 96 Defending food and drink was first published in 2008 as a guide to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) which identifies and manages risks in supply chains.

The business standards body says that the food and drinks industry is used to handling natural errors or mishaps within the food supply chain. As for the threat of deliberate attack, although not new, ideological groups can see this as an entry point to do sabotage. The impacts of threats can include direct losses when responding to the act of sabotage, and paying compensation to affected producers and suppliers, customers and distributors. Trade embargoes can be imposed by trading partners and long term reputational damage can occur.

David Fatscher, Head of Market Development for Sustainability at BSI said: “It is not just events such as the horse meat scandal and the subsequent Elliot Review that bring the need for clarity in the food supply chain. As issues such as food terrorism become more of a reality, businesses need to be extra vigilant and confident that they have set up the basic practices on keeping their supply chains sabotage free. PAS 96 was specifically designed to minimise the risks associated with deliberate attack, enabling businesses to stay one step ahead and not suffer damage to their reputations.”

The revision of PAS 96 includes the introduction of the Threat Assessment Critical Control Points (TACCP) risk management method. The TAACP process will help businesses of all sizes avoid and mitigate threats to their food supply chain. PAS 96 was sponsored by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Food Standards Agency.

Some of those involved in the development of PAS 96 include: Agrico UK Limited, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), Food Standards Agency, Global Food Security Programme, Heineken UK, J Sainsbury plc., McDonald’s Europe and Tesco.

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