There are a lot of roles within the foodservice industry, including everyone from servers, bussers, line cooks, all the way to restaurant managers, food service managers, and food safety managers. In this post, we’re going over the details of what a food safety manager is and what responsibilities they have.
At Nutri-Rific, we offer ServSafe online courses to help prepare those looking for a career in the foodservice industry. We provide courses including Food Safety Manager certification, Food Handler certification, training on Allergens and Alcohol, and more. Our courses are offered through ServSafe and are a convenient, affordable option for anyone who wants to work while also continuing their education. Get in touch with us today to learn more about the programs we offer!
Overview of a Food Safety Manager
- Ensures food safety
- Collaboration with other teams
- Leads a team of their own
- Education and experience
- Problem solvers
- Understand safety programs
- Understand food safety science
- Must have various skills
Ensures Food Safety
Above all, a food safety manager should be able to ensure that all food in a given establishment is safe. They will develop and oversee policies and procedures that are related to food safety. They will complete audits,
Collaboration With Other Teams
Food safety managers work closely with various departments and teams, including production, sanitation, maintenance, shipping and receiving, and more. Within each department, the food safety manager will work to solve problems and create policies to prevent issues from arising in the future. The heads of each department will often meet together to brainstorm solutions and discuss any concerns.
Leads a Team of Their Own
When new policies and certification programs are implemented, it is the food safety manager’s responsibility to ensure that their team is aware and trained on any new changes. Training on new policies will ensure that everyone takes food safety seriously. Managers will also work to establish a supportive environment where the focus is on productivity, quality, and professionalism.
Education and Experience
Food safety managers have a range of education and often have a minimum of five years of experience. Managers often have degrees in chemistry, food science, or a related field such as biology or nutrition. Experience can range from working in research and development, quality management, and food process engineering. They should also have certifications in HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), SQF (Safe Quality Food), and BRC (British Retail Consortium).
Problem Solvers
Whenever an issue occurs, it is essential that a food safety manager is capable of acting quickly and efficiently in order to understand what happened, find ways to solve the
Understand Food Safety Programs
Similar to problem-solving, food safety programs are put in place in order to proactively identify problems before they occur. When food is being manufactured or handled, it is essential that everyone is aware of how to identify potential issues and what to do in the case that something does go wrong. These programs involve various people in the foodservice industry, and the food safety manager is responsible for training and implementation.
Understand Food Safety Science
Having a thorough understanding of the science of food is a must for food safety managers. This will include topics like allergens, cross contamination, and food temperature. This is the foundation of food safety and will ensure that guests are not harmed and will protect the establishment from fines or even the loss of their licensing.
Register For Food Safety Manager Courses With Nutri-Rific
Nutri-Rific offers ServSafe online courses so you can become a food safety manager. Courses are available both online and