Margins in the food industry have always been thin. This is because retailers and other customers are continuously pushing food manufacturers and suppliers to lower costs. It’s no surprise that when it comes to allocating more money for food safety, there is often tension between food-safety professionals and the executive suite. Unfortunately, many food company owners and/or corporate officers see no apparent or direct return on investment for food-safety interventions.
Unless, of course, you are one of the hundreds of companies unexpectedly forced to recall their food products each year. It is then the advantages of prevention become clear. The story of Blue Bell provides a prime example of the benefits of investing more heavily in food safety.