Section 5
Example Food Safety Program of
a Cook-Fresh process
This Food Safety Program is a model only. It is a typical example of a program of a cook
fresh process for a hospital or aged care facility. It would not be appropriate for all
facilities and products. In addition to this cook fresh process, you may likely have other
processes such as cook chill etc.
This example aims to show one way that the components of a Food Safety Program for
Cook Fresh Food Production System can be developed. It covers the following:
Scope and Purpose
Product Description and Intended Use
Process Flow Chart
Hazard Analysis Table
Hazard Control Table
Support Programs
This example Food Safety Program for Cook Fresh Foods has been developed for a
facility that has effective Support Programs.
For example:
Staff Training in Food Safety, Food Handling and Hygiene
Sanitation and Cleaning Programs
Supplier Approval Programs
Building and Equipment Preventative Maintenance Programs
Pest Control Programs
If these programs were not in place and functioning correctly then the Food Safety
Program (eg. the Hazard Analysis) would be invalid.
This example program is to assist NSW hospital and aged care facilities that process
Cook Fresh food to develop their own Food Safety Programs. Facilities must develop their
own Food Safety Programs as products, processes and premises are unique. However,
the example program can be used as a guide. The NSW Food Authority does not take any
responsibility for any food produced or Food Safety Programs developed using this
example program.
The tables used in this example food safety program is not comprehensive and
you will need to refer to other references. The relevant tables list the hazards
that are significant which are controlled by either CCPs or SPs these are ones
which you should consider, but you may have others that are significant for
your facility.
NSW/FA/CP005/0805
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Page 1 of
5.1
Introduction
5.2
This team is responsible for maintaining the Food Safety manual, reviewing and
improving procedures and implementing effective controls to manage food safety risks.
The Food Safety team includes:
Name
Position
TEAM LEADER
Mary Boss
TEAM MEMBER
Paul Citizen
Chef
TEAM MEMBER
Peter Worker
TEAM MEMBER
Jane Friend
Cook
5.3
Scope
5.4
Purpose
The Food Safety Program is being implemented to minimise the risk of hazards during the
handling of the food whilst in the facilitys control; thereby ensuring that the food is as
safe as possible and meets the regulatory requirements of NSW Food Authority.
NSW/FA/CP005/0805
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Page 2 of
Product description
Examples (s)
Product composition
Method of Preservation
Special preparation
characteristics
Packaging
Shelf life
Distribution method
Meal carts
Consumer
Intended Use
Ready-to-eat
NOTE: This is an example outlining in tabular form the information required. However,
this can be presented in any fashion which suits the facility
NSW/FA/CP005/0805
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Page 3 of
NSW/FA/CP005/0805
Authorised By
Mary Boss
Version 2
Page 4 of
NSW/FA/CP005/0805
Version 2
Page 5 of
Input(s)
Hazards
Significan
t Hazard?
Ingredien
t or
process
step
C= Chemical (eg
allergens)
Is the
potential
food
safety
hazard
significant
?
P= Physical
B = Biological
(virus, bacteria,
toxins)
Justification
CCP?
Control
Measure
Is this
step a
Critical
Control
Point
(CCP?)
What
control
measure
can be
applied to
prevent
the
significan
t
hazards?
#
No
SPs
No
SPs
No
SPs
(High
severity/hi
gh
likelihood))
1-11 All
steps
P = Foreign object
contamination
No
1. Menu
Design /
B = contamination by
staff
C = chemical
contamination
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No
No
Version 2
Page 6
Ordering
&
Purchasin
g
P= Contamination by
foreign objects
No
B= microbiological
contamination
No
certain ingredients/products *.
Notes:
# SP = Support Program. You should document exactly which Support Program is used as a control measure. You need to have a written
procedure if a hazards is controlled by a SP. Hence you need to note the procedure name/number.
* Certificate of Analysis is an effective tool which can be used to ensure that high risk products are microbiologically sound. It may not be
appropriate for all situations. Certificate of Compliance may be more suitable for short life ready to eat products which demonstrate the
suppliers commitment to providing product that meet an agreed specification eg their technical specification.
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Page 7
Input(s)
Hazards
2.
Receival
C,P = introduction
of foreign objects
B = Growth of
bacteria that cause
food borne illness
B = introduction of
microorganisms
C= chemical
contamination
P,B =
contamination by
foreign objects or
bacteria or viruses
that cause illness
3.
Storage
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B = growth of
bacteria
Signific
ant
Hazard
?
No
Yes
Justification
CCP
?
Control
Measure
No
SPs
Yes
No
No
SPs
No
No
SPs
No
SPs
No
SPs
No
No
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Page 8
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Input(s)
Hazards
4. Thawing
Ingredient or product
temperatures during defrost at
refrigerated temperatures.
B = Growth of
bacteria that cause
food borne illness
Significa
nt
Hazard?
No
5.
Preparatio
n
6. Cooking
Contamination by chemicals,
oils and cleaners
C = chemical
contamination
P= contamination by
foreign objects
B = Growth of
bacteria that cause
food borne illness
B = Survival of
bacteria and
contaminating
microbes when foods
are not cooked
properly
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Justification
CCP?
No
Yes
Control
Measure
SPs
Make sure
time and
temperatur
es do not
allow
growth.
Use
standard
procedure
No
No
SPs
No
No
SPs
Yes
Yes
Limit the
amount of
preparation
time
Yes
Yes
Cook to
standard
times and
temperatur
es.
Take core or
cold spot
temperatur
Version 2
Page
es
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Version 2
Page
Input(s)
Hazards
7. Post
Cook
Processing
Contamination by bacteria
during puree process
B = Growth of
bacteria that cause
food borne illness
(portioning
, slicing or
Texture
Modificatio
n
Significa
nt
Hazard?
No
B = Growth of
bacteria that cause
food borne illness
Justification
CCP?
Control
Measure
No
SPs
Yes
Yes
Limit the
amount of
time
between
the end of
the cooking
process and
refrigeration
or
consumptio
n.
Monitor the
time out of
cook, chill
or serving
times.
8. Hot
Holding
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B = Growth of
bacteria that cause
food borne illness
Yes
Version 2
Yes
Heat food to
correct
minimum
temperatur
e in the
correct
amount of
time.
Monitor
holding
times and
Page
temperatur
es.
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Page
Input(s)
Hazards
9. Hot
Serve
B= Growth of bacteria
that cause food borne
illness
B = food ingredients
causing allergic
reaction
B= Growth of bacteria
that cause food borne
illness
Contamination by unclean
trolley/delivery vehicles, dust,
insects and utensils
B,P= Cross
contamination by
bacteria or viruses
that cause illness or
foreign objects
10.
Delivery
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Significa
nt
Hazard?
Justification
CCP?
Serve only
hot food and
serve quickly.
Monitor
serving
temperatures
and times.
No
SPs
Yes
Deliver only
hot meals.
Deliver
meals
quickly.
Monitor meal
temperatures
and delivery
times.
No
Yes
No
Control
Measure
P= food inconsistency
Yes
Yes
Version 2
SPs
Page
Input(s)
Hazards
11. Clean
up
Inadequate dishwasher
temperatures allow survival
and subsequent growth of any
contaminating microorganisms on utensils and
crockery.
B = Cross
contamination by
bacteria or viruses
that cause illness.
Inappropriate cleanup
returned food items/plates
and contaminates food
preparation area.
B = Cross
contamination by
bacteria or viruses
that cause illness.
Significa
nt
Hazard?
Yes
Yes
Justification
CCP?
Control
Measure
SPs
No
SPs
No
SPs
No
SPs
No
SPs
P = Contamination by
foreign objects.
Inappropriate cleaning
procedures, where incorrect
chemicals or incorrect
concentrations are used.
C = chemicals
contaminate food
contact surfaces,
plates and utensils
P = Pests
contaminate food,
environment.
P= Physical
contamination
Potentially contaminated
items from patients/residents
(eg bandages, vomitus,
medications, syringes, body
fluids etc)
B = Cross
contamination by
micro-organisms
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No
No
No
No
No
SPs
P = Contamination by
foreign objects
Version 2
Page
Potential
Hazard/s
Control
Measures
CC
P
Critical Limit
2.
Receiv
al
Microbiolog
ical
(temperatu
re abuse)
chilled
ready-toeat (RTE)
foods.
Temperatu
re of
chilled
ready to
eat
product on
arrival.
CCP
Maximum
product
temperature
5oC
Microbiolog
ical
(temperatu
re abuse)
frozen RTE
foods
Appearanc
e of frozen
product
SP
No evidence
of
freeze/thawing
(ice crystal
formation).
Monitoring Procedures
What
How
When
Who
Take
representativ
e
temperatures
of chilled RTE
food for
every
delivery or
representativ
e sample.
Sanitised,
calibrated
thermomet
er or IR gun
on packets
(not
cartons) as
per
manufactur
ers
instructions
Every
delivery
Store
perso
n/
chef
Feel of each
product type
per delivery.
Feel or use
IR gun on
frozen
packets(not
cartons) as
per
manufactur
ers
instructions
Every
delivery
Check
packages
and labels
Every
delivery
Must be hard
frozen.
Microbiolog
ical (out of
date)
Contamina
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Product to
be within
use-by
Appearanc
SP
SP
Must be within
Use by date
No evidence
Visual
inspection of
all products.
Visual
Version 2
Check
Corrective
Action
Records
Contact
Supervisor.
Product
Receivals
Sheet
Reject if
temperature is
above 5oC.
(Form 5)
Notify supplier
and report.
Every
Store
perso
n
Store
perso
n
Store
Contact
Supervisor.
Reject soft,
partially thawed
product and
product with ice
crystal formation
of RTE foods.
Notify supplier
and report.
Product
Receivals
Sheet
(Form 5)
Reject products
that are out of
date or very
close to date if
you cant use it
prior to expiry.
For RTE foods
notify supervisor
Product
Receivals
Sheet
Reject products
Product
(Form 5)
Page
Proces
s Step
Potential
Hazard/s
Control
Measures
tion
e of
of problems
Microbiolog
icalChemic
al Physical
a) product
a) dirty,
damaged
product,
b)
packaging
condition
c) delivery
vehicle
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CC
P
Critical Limit
Monitoring Procedures
What
How
When
Who
inspection
truck,
packaging
and product
delivery
perso
n
b) damaged ,
dirty boxes,
Corrective
Action
Records
that are
damaged or
show signs of
contamination or
tampering.
Receivals
Sheet
(Form 5)
Reject
excessively
soiled or
damaged fruit
and vegetables
c) poor truck
condition
Version 2
Page
5.8 Example Hazard Control Table for Cook Fresh Foods (continued)
Process
Step
Potential
Hazard/s
Control
Measures
3.
Storage
(Chilled,
Microbiologic
al
(temperatur
e abuse) of
RTE foods
Temperatur
e of chilled
RTE food
Frozen,
Ambient
)
Storage
temperatur
es of
freezers
Contaminati
on
Monitor
- product
packaging
- store
areas
- stock
rotation
CCP
Critical
Limit
Monitoring Procedures
What
How
When
Who
Maximum
storage
temperatur
e 5oC
Product
temperatur
es
Sanitised,
calibrated,
thermometer
Twice a day
Kitchen
Staff
Maximum
freezer
temperatur
e of -10oC
No
evidence of:
Freezer
temperatur
e
Examine
the product
- damaged
stock or
packaging
(morning
and
afternoon)
Corrective
Action
Records
Refrigerato
r/
Freezer
thermometer
Store
check
sheet
(Form 2)
Appliance
Temperatur
e Check
Sheet
Visually
inspect
Daily
Store
supervisor
Clean and
remove garbage
more frequently,
correct stock
rotation.
Discard any item
that is damaged
or is unlabelled
(name, date etc.)
or exposed
product (no lids).
- poorly
maintained
store area
(eg. rodent
activity)
Coolroom/
Refrigerato
r/
Coolroom/
Store
check
sheet
(Form 2)
- out of date
stock
- foodstuffs
stored
uncovered
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5.8 Example Hazard Control Table for Cook Fresh Foods (continued)
Process
Step
Hazard/s
4.
Thawing
(general)
Microbiologic
al
4(a)
Water
Thawing
Microbiologic
al
(temperature
abuse,
undercookin
g)
4(b)
Microwav
e
Thawing
4(c)
Refrigera
tor
Thawing
(undercookin
g)
Microbiologic
al
(temperature
abuse)
Microbiologic
al
(temperature
abuse)
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Control
Measure
s
CCP
Critical
Limit
Monitoring Procedures
Completely
thaw
product
Water
temperatur
e and
product
thawing
times
What
How
When
Who
SP
Time taken
for thaw
process
Check for
evidence
of hard
frozen
product
Visual
inspection
All product
daily
Leading
hand
Continue to thaw
until completely
defrosted
CCP
Water
temperatur
es 21oC or
less
Temperatu
re of
running
thaw
water.
Sanitised,
calibrated
thermome
ter
Every
batch
Chef
If water temperature
is over 21oC throw
product away.
Product
thawed in 4
hours
Amount of
time after
microwave
thaw
before
cooking
begins
CCP
Product
temperatur
e during
thawing
SP
If product remains
frozen after 4 hours,
continue to thaw in
the refrigerator.
Time
taken for
thawing.
Product to
be
immediatel
y cooked
after
microwavin
g (30 mins)
Time
taken
between
thaw and
cook.
Visual
inspection
Product to
be
completely
thawed in
Product
location
Visual
inspection
Version 2
Corrective
Action
All product
daily
All product
daily
Chef
Leading
Hand
Records
Water
Thaw
Check
Sheet
(Form 6)
Discard thawed
micro waved product
if after 30 minutes
has
Food
Process
Time Temp.
Worksheet
Elapsed.
(Form 6)
Continue to thaw in
the refrigerator.
Food
Process
Time Temp.
Worksheet
Page
refrigerator
(maximum
5oC)
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(Form 6)
Version 2
Page
5.8 Example Hazard Control Table for Cook Fresh Foods (continued)
Process
Step
Hazard
/s
Control
Measures
CCP
5.
Preparatio
n
Growth
of
bacteria
Monitor
product
times
CCP
Critical
Limit
Monitoring Procedures
What
How
When
Who
Maximum
30
minutes
Time in
preparation
room.
Visually
check that
there is no
food left out
of
refrigeration
at
At each
meal
break.
Chef
Or
break times
or once
finished.
Visual
check
Corrective
Action
Records
Food
Process
Time Temp.
Worksheet
(Form 6)
Notify supervisor
for disposition.
6. Cooking
Survival
of
bacteria
when
food is
not
cooked
properly
Check
product
temperature
s for oven
cooked,
gently
heated or
grilled
product for
every batch.
CCP
Core is
min 70oC
for 2
minutes
(75oC)
instant *
Take at
least one
final core
temperatur
e of
product (in
oven cold
spot if
applicable).
Sanitised
calibrated
thermometer
.
Every
batch or
every
oven
cycle.
Chef
Cooking /
Cooling
check
sheet
(Form 6)
NOTES:
* The critical limit will be based on type of meal cooked.
This critical limit can apply for bulk baked or roast meats eg meatloaf and roasts (eg roast chicken, beef, lamb, pork)
For grilled foods need to check that it is cooked through by checking for doneness (eg for steak)
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Page
However particular attention needs to be paid to poultry, offal (liver, kidneys), rolled and stuffed meats and formed mince products such as
hamburgers, meat loaf and sausages, in which case a thermometer should be used to ensure desired cook temperature is reached.
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Page
5.8 Example Hazard Control Table for Cook Fresh Foods (continued)
Process
Step
Hazard/s
7. Post
Cook
processing
Growth of
bacteria
(time and
temperatur
e abuse)
(portioning
or texture
modificatio
n)
Microbial
contaminati
on
Control
Measure
s
CCP
Elapsed
time and
temperatur
e at end of
process
CCP
Use of
clean and
sanitised
equipment
and
utensils
according
to Standard
Procedures
SP
Critical
Limit
Monitoring Procedures
What
How
When
Who
Maximum
30 minutes
elapsed
time and
min temp
of 60oC at
of process
Elapsed time
after cooking
and before
hot holding
Record time
out of cook
and holding
start time
Each meal
time
(breakfast,
lunch,
dinner)
Chef
Temp at end
of process
Record temp
at end of
process#
Ensure
equipment
and
utensils are
clean and
sanitised
Check that
all
equipment
and utensils
used are
clean and
sanitised
Visual check
Corrective
Action
Records
Re-heat food to
70oC for 2
minutes (or
equivalent
within 1 hour)
Food
Process
Time
Temp.
Workshee
t
(Form 6)
Before use
Leading
hand
RE-clean and
sanitise
equipment and
utensils prior to
use
# If you can validate that the temperature is always above 60oC at the end of the process then you can remove the monitoring of the temp each time.
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Page
5.8 Example Hazard Control Table for Cook Fresh Foods (continued)
Process
Step
Hazard/s
Control
Measure
s
CCP
Critical
Limit
Monitoring Procedures
8. Hot
Holding
Growth of
bacteria due
to
Product
temperatur
es
CCP
Minimum
60oC
temperature
abuse
and times
Take each
product
temperature
and times
before it is
put into Bain
maire
And limit
time to 30
mins
Ensure
equipment is
not
overloaded.
Sanitised,
calibrated
thermometer
Each meal
time
(breakfast,
lunch and
dinner)
Chef
Monitor time
clock.
Visual
inspection
At start of
meal service
Superviso
r
Corrective
Action
Records
Adjust hot
holding
equipment (bain
marie) set point.
Food
Process
Time
Temp.
Workshee
t
Stop serving,
resume serving
when product
temperature is
60oC.
(Form 6)
If food falls
below 60oC for
30 minutes
discard+.
Review process
to ensure all
food is heated
to holding
temperatures or
higher BEFORE
food is
transferred to
hot holding
equipment.
If trays are
overloaded,
remove some of
food, chill
immediately
and reheat
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Version 2
Page
before
reservice.
Retrain staff
member
Note:
+ The max time that the food is out of temperature control is 2 hours (eg from plating to consumption). The time you set here depends on the time
frames surrounding your facility. Target should be around 30 mins.
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5.8 Example Hazard Control Table for Cook Fresh Foods (continued)
Process
Step
9. Hot
Serving
Hazard/s
Growth of
bacteria due
to
temperature
abuse
Adverse
patients/resid
ent reactions
(choking,
allergies)
Control
Measure
s
CCP
Product
temperatur
e
CCP
Patients &
residents
receive
appropriat
e meals
SP
Critical
Limit
Monitoring Procedures
What
How
When
Who
Last meal
served is
60oC
Take product
temperature
(of
meat/chicken/fi
sh etc) of the
last meal
plated.
Sanitised,
calibrated
thermomete
r
Each meal
time
(breakfast,
lunch and
dinner)
Person
serving
meals
Resident
patient food
needs.
Visual
inspection
that correct
meal is
given to
patient
On handing
the meal to
the patient
Person
serving
meal
After any
significant
changes or
on
admission
Superviso
r, care
staff
Do not give
the patient
the meal.
Check other
trays to see if
meal is there,
if not call
supervisor
Visual
inspections
Each meal
(breakfast,
lunch and
dinner)
Person
serving
meals
Cover food
with plate
covers.
Documented
allergies and
special needs
for all
patients /
residents.
Contamination
(foreign
objects,
bacteria
viruses)
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Protect
food during
transport
SP
All food is to
be covered
after serving.
Covered meals
Version 2
Records
Use
microwave
oven to
reheat meals
if necessary.
Food
Process
Time
Temp.
Workshee
t
Adjust heating
process.
Needs/chang
es are
tracked
10.
Delivery
Corrective
Action
(Form 6)
Patient
menu
Page
Growth of
bacteria due
to time abuse
Amount of
time
between
service and
consumpti
on
CCP
Last meal
delivered is
60oC
Elapsed time
between end of
service and
consumption.
Monitor
time periodclock
Each meal
(breakfast,
lunch and
dinner)
Person
serving
meals
Discard any
food that is
not consumed
or
refrigerated
within 30
minutes of
service.+
Food
Process
Time
Temp.
Workshee
t
(Form 6)
Note:
+ The max time that the food is out of temperature control is 2 hours (eg from plating to consumption). The time you set here depends on
the time frames surrounding your facility. Target should be around 30 mins.
5.8 Example Hazard Control Table for Cook Fresh Foods (continued)
Process
Step
Hazard/s
10. Clean
Up
Contaminati
on
(Foreign
objects,
bacteria
viruses).
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Control
Measures
CCP
Clean with
hot water all
multipurpos
e crockery
and utensils.
SP
Clean up
done in a
dedicated
area.
Critical
Limit
Monitoring Procedures
What
How
When
Who
Dishwash
er must
achieve
wash
cycle
temp
enough to
remove
fat and
soil and
not bake
it on.
Sanitising
rinse
cycle
must
achieve
82oC
minimum.
Water
temperature
Thermomete
r or check
stick
At rinse
cycle
Person
washing up
(Start and
end of
cleanup.)
Corrective
Action
Records
Adjust rinse
temperature
on
dishwasher.
Re-sanitise
dishes etc. in
hot water and
ensure
reaches 82oC
Appliance
Temperatur
e
Worksheet
(Form Z)
Have
equipment
serviced.
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Items
must dry
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