What is the term for the procedures used to ensure that a food safety management system is operating correctly?

The term that refers to the procedures used to ensure that a food safety management system is operating correctly is verification. Verification involves the process of checking and confirming that the food safety management practices being implemented are effective and consistently adhered to. This can include reviewing records, conducting audits, and performing tests to ensure compliance with established guidelines and safety standards.

Verification is crucial because it helps identify any deviations from the required procedures and allows businesses to take corrective actions, ensuring that food safety measures are maintained. Without proper verification, there may be unknown gaps in food safety practices that could lead to unsafe food handling and potential health risks. This process is distinct from other terms; for example, validation relates to proving the effectiveness of specific food safety controls, while monitoring focuses on the continuous observation of food safety measures to catch any issues in real-time.