Sustainable Food Safety Management 2.0
Sustainable Food Safety Management 2.0: Industry Leading Department Store to Reassure Shoppers
With rising health awareness, food safety has become a key focus for governments and businesses worldwide. Our government promotes the "Five-Point Food Safety Reform," which includes upstream source control, production management, enhanced inspections, and downstream penalties for illegal manufacturers, along with public supervision of food safety, as a guideline for upgrading food safety.
In addition to proactively responding to policy regulations, SKM, as a company that frequently interacts with consumers, is also committed to promoting comprehensive food safety and hygiene management. Since 2017, we have been actively promoting autonomous management of food hygiene and safety with the policy "Protecting Customers Through Food Safety." By conducting regular environmental health audits and product inspections, we ensure robust food safety standards. In 2023, SKM advanced the "Industry, Leading Department Store to Reassure Shoppers" Sustainable Food Safety Management 2.0 plan, further enhancing the safety and trustworthiness of our dining and shopping environment for consumers.
Major Events in Food Safety Management
Upgrade of Food Safety Monitoring
SKM is dedicated to creating a trustworthy dining environment for consumers. In 2023, we comprehensively optimized our food safety inspection plan. We addressed trends in takeout and delivery by establishing key operational guidelines, ensuring compliance for takeout packaging, and conducting packaging audits. We also implemented themed spot checks, focusing on iced beverages during the peak summer sales season to ensure they are free from E. coli, coliforms, and total bacterial counts. If a sampled item fails inspection, it must be re-inspected and removed from shelves within one week. If it fails the first re-inspection, a fine will be imposed, and it must be re-inspected again within one week. If it fails the second re-inspection, a fine will be imposed, and the item will be removed from all stores. In 2024, SKM will further upgrade its audits by including quarterly detergent inspections for dishwashing areas, pest control inspections at each store, expanded hygiene spot checks for iced beverage equipment, and implementing supplier education and training programs.
Four New Items
Added spot checks for three types of bacteria in iced beverages in June, inspecting a total of 50 items in 2023.
Introduced spot checks for takeout meal boxes in department stores and supermarkets, simulating the consumer takeout process. A total of 112 items were inspected in 2023.
Four Optimized Items
- Optimized and expanded the scope to include inspections of the entire food court floor in 2023.
- Conducted inspections in 5 department stores annually.
Conducted 4+1 training sessions in 2023, primarily focused on iced beverages.
In 2023, SKM optimized the mechanism for re-inspection after correcting non-compliant labels.
In 2023, SKM optimized the process and simulated consumer purchases to ensure the quality of takeout items.
Enhancing Food Safety Awareness and Future Outlook
In 2023, SKM took significant steps to elevate food safety awareness among all stakeholders. We introduced a comprehensive training program for food safety seed instructors, conducted by external certification bodies. Over the course of the year, we held six online and offline training sessions. Additionally, we mandated that each department store have at least one seed instructor certified in the HACCP food safety management system to ensure the highest level of instructional professionalism. Looking ahead, we plan to further elevate our food safety standards by introducing specialized food safety training for our suppliers starting in 2024.2023 Direction of Food Safety Awareness Promotion
Education and Training for Food Processors
- Monthly training sessions conducted by seed instructors of department stores for staff in food and beverage (F&B) counters, supermarkets, and self-operated brands.
- Establish fundamental knowledge of food hygiene among employees, enhancing the execution of internal audits to ensure food safety, hygiene, and quality stability.
Seed Instructor Training
- Annual training sessions conducted by SGS instructors for seed instructors.
- In 2023, a total of six training sessions were conducted, including two online courses, two in-person courses, and two supermarket-specific courses.
On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Food Safety Promotion
- Monthly tracking of food hygiene and safety promotion in department stores.
- Monthly promotion of food safety incidents and regulations.
HACCP Food Safety Management System Certification
- This year, each department store is required to have at least one seed instructor obtain the certification.
- Continuous certification courses, with 12 hours of training required every three years.
Food Safety Poster Campaign
- Monthly themed campaigns for food processors.
- Reminders for food processors about key points in meal preparation, food labeling, and environmental hygiene.
Supplier Training
- Starting in 2024, two additional training sessions for suppliers.
