KEEP AMERICA'S FOOD AND AGRICULTURE SAFE /Processors/Fact
Sheet
Processors
KEEP AMERICA'S FOOD AND AGRICULTURE SAFE (Fact Sheet)
You are on the front line of defense for protecting America’s food
supply systems. Since Sept. 11, 2001, USDA has intensified work with federal,
state and local authorities to bolster our food supply from the farm to the
table. Here are some suggestions for ways you can help:
Plan
Make a plan to prevent and manage risk. --
Develop a risk management plan to identify vulnerable points and corrective
measures; conduct periodic audits; maintain ongoing vigilance. -- Identify
a food protection management team with a coordinator. Train each team member in
food protection issues. -- Identify emergency levels for operation shutdown
and appoint emergency shutdown managers. -- Identify emergency evacuation
managers and processes; conduct evacuation drills regularly. -- Provide
easy access to a local, state, and federal government emergency contact list
and update it regularly.
Educate and Screen Train employees and screen potential
hires. -- Train all employees, especially those working at the most
vulnerable points in your operation. -- Provide orientation training for
new employees on food protection practices and vigilance. --Put experienced
and trusted employees at vulnerable points. -- Encourage employees to
report any suspicious activities. -- Conduct appropriate background checks
regularly for all employees. -- Establish, implement and train all handlers
in security protocols for your mail, supplies, and equipment deliveries.
Secure Secure your processing plant — including the
physical boundaries, premises within the plant, and the materials and personnel
going in and out of the facility. -- Physically secure the boundaries and
storage areas of your processing plant. --Designate limited and specific
entry and exit points for people and vehicles. --Secure all access and exit
doors with modern security systems and guards, if needed. -- Secure all
doors, windows, vents, other openings such as false ceilings and roof vents,
and storage tanks at all times. -- Secure and account for all keys. Use
electronic keys wherever possible. -- Lock up hazardous chemicals, keep an
inventory, and investigate the disposition of any missing chemicals. --
Restrict access to data processing systems and laboratory databases. Use
firewalls and secure passwords, changing them routinely. -- Restrict access
to laboratories, storage areas, water and energy systems, data processing
rooms, and locker rooms. -- Inventory all incoming raw ingredients. Include
information about the sources and date of shipment, as well as finished,
stored, and shipped products. -- Restrict access to outside water tanks,
any accessible water supplies, and conveying water pipes. -- Restrict
access to ice machines.
Monitor Constantly monitor your processing system from
beginning to end, including any water. -- Monitor all vulnerable points
daily, more often if necessary. Immediately take necessary corrective measures.
-- Maintain a photo ID system for employees; require identification and
escorts for visitors at all times in your facility. --Ensure adequate light
in the perimeter areas. --Install electronic surveillance inside and
outside of your facility and storage areas. --Schedule and inspect all
vehicles going in and out of your facilities. --Regularly update your
restricted access list. Routinely update security guard copies. --Be aware
of any suspicious activity. Check early and late hours of employees who are not
normally required to be working then. --Conduct daily inspections of the
lines feeding into various processing equipment, such as grinders and mixers.
--Have a system to track your processes, from incoming ingredients to the
finished and stored product, to identify any possible points of contamination
at any time—during processing or later. --Inspect the integrity of
packaging material before shipping. --Inspect water storage and conveying
lines inside and outside of the plant regularly.
Report
Report any suspicious activity. --No threats
should be treated lightly. --Make sure everyone knows how to report
suspicious or unusual activities. --Unscheduled maintenance, deliveries, or
visitors are to be considered suspicious.
If you see anything suspicious, call your local officials.
