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In our "Food & Figures" series, our experts highlight one figure from the food sector. In this edition, Imke Van den Broeck, Food Safety Advisor, shows how companies with a validated self-checking system score better during FASFC inspections.
Self-checking is one of the pillars of the European food safety system. Since 2005, the implementation and maintenance of a self-checking system (ACS) has been mandatory for all Belgian companies active in the food chain. The ultimate goal focuses on making the food on consumers' plates ever safer.
To score even better with food safety, in Belgium we go a step further. Companies can - on a voluntary basis - have their ACS validated externally. During this validation, the FASFC or a recognized certification body checks whether the system has been properly applied. They rely on approved self-checking guides that provide a practical translation of the legislation per sector.
FASFC figures confirm that more and more food companies are investing in validated ACS. The results of the inspection missions carried out by FASFC are significantly more favorable in companies that have a validated ACS. As many as 83% of companies with a validated ACS do not receive any remarks (warnings or official reports) during FASFC inspections, which is 16% more than companies not validated.
Companies with a validated ACS received 16% fewer warnings or official reports. In addition, the probability of a severe sanction is quasi halved (7.3% vs. 3.2%) by validating the ACS.
Companies that have their self-checking system validated (with favorable results) not only score better during FASFC inspections but also benefit from:
More info on how to get your ACS validated can be found here
