Page 43 - FoodFocusThailand No.190 January 2022

SPECIAL FOCUS

Turning Point of Risk Management

and Hygiene Practices after the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the critical nature of the global food manufacturing
industry into clear focus and highlighted the essential role that food and beverage producers
play in the maintenance of public health. While the impacts of the virus have been felt
across all sectors, food and beverage manufacturers whose essential operations have
continued throughout the duration of the evolving crisis and whose products have distinct
health and safety considerations face unique and acute challenges.

Despite having crisis management and
business continuity plans in place, many in
the food industry have found themselves ill-
prepared to handle the multifaceted impacts
of the pandemic. Challenges around rapid
shifts in market demand, staffing, social
distancing, and changing regulations need a
resilient approach to product risk management
from the pandemic.
Organizations have a pivotal opportunity
at this moment to reframe their plans and
processes for food safety, crisis management,
and business continuity. Consider the
following guidelines that food and beverage
companies can deploy to meet the challenges
during the COVID-19 crisis and build long-
term resilience.

Examples of risk management
programs after the COVID-19
Scenario Planning Widespread panic
1and uncertainty during the COVID-19
pandemic have generated a surge and shift
in demand for food products, rendering
useless the forecasts that manufacturers
previously created regarding enterprise
resources and material requirements—
everything from a supply (of packaging, raw
materials, and ingredients) to distribution and
logistics staffing. Companies must be
prepared for second and even third waves of
this pandemic as well as other unforeseen
events.
Scenario planning is crucial as companies
aim to remain resilient through the COVID-19
crisis and beyond. Companies should
consider conducting a holistic risk analysis
and business impact analysis, including

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