Importance of Documentation in FSMS

The definition of documentation process got from wikipedia says that 

Documentation is a term with many meanings, the most common of which are:

• A set of documents provided on paper, or online, or on digital or analog media, such as audio tape or CDs.
• The process of documenting knowledge, as in scientific articles.
• The process of providing evidence.

Though documentation process is not directly related to the food safety and good hygiene practices when it comes to food industries, it is so vital according to all important international food safety standards such as ISO 22000, BRC, IFS etc., The documentation process is audited seperately from production process for certification of the above mentioned food safety standards.

The documents which has to be maintained includes,

1. The quality manual
2. All system operating procedures
3. Formats for proper maintenance of the procedures- document control, production process, HACCP control and update, read control, reception, storage, despatch, training, Management, GMP, GHP, Sanitation, Pest control etc.,
4. Raw materials specifications
5. Product specifications
6. COAs of raw materials and as well as products

Properly updating the documents and maintaining the important records are essential to have a well implemented FSMS- Food Safety Management System.

This is my view on documentation 

Pragash