OCTOBER 202319ENHANCING FOOD SAFETY THROUGH BUSINESS INNOVATIONSinvestigation to protect food safety and quality, but despite the swift response, there was room for more correction at the consumer end. The authorities failed to anticipate the constraints and put retail measures for the infant formula in place that could have mitigated the impact. There is scope for a more up-to-date response in food security where the key industry players can take proactive measures in consumers' interest. With little awareness about cronobacter, there is a real opportunity to educate customers on the risks it poses and how they can follow safe practices in their own kitchens to protect their children when preparing the formula. When it comes to safety response, the industry needs a broader approach to strategizing supply chains and imparting quality education to consumers.Could you shed light on one of your project initiatives where you implemented new technological trends or process elements to tackle the pain points?Tackling supply chain challenges is not entirely dependent on technological solutions. It also involves having open conversations between partners, customers, and suppliers. As an auditor, it is important to have a clear perspective of how ingredients used in company products impact business implications.Auditing with a broader knowledge of the business or how the products affect the supply chain gives us an upper hand in evaluating risks and taking prompt action. Apart from effective auditing results, having transparent relationships with customers and suppliers allows both groups to be responsive if and when an incident occurs and strive towards a sustainable future.What is your sage advice to fellow peers and aspiring professionals in this field?Auditors should refrain from auditing within a bubble. It is understandable that the focus remains on strengthening the scope of food safety and quality, but there is always more to learn about the supply chain and the business initiative on a wider scale. Keeping yourself open to learning will add to your professional development and make you a better auditor, as well as strengthen business relationships. Thorough knowledge of working with suppliers will enable you to become a more integrated member of a food safety response team. Auditing with a broader knowledge of the business or how the products affect the supply chain gives us an upper hand in evaluating risks and taking prompt action
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