Food Safety and Quality Chaos In this column, Best discusses the chaos that can be caused by food safety and quality control systems. There are a number of ways that complex control systems can be counterproductive or even break down entirely, including the inclusion of too many variables, overly complex controls, reliance on checklists, diversion of resources, and distractions caused by overly detailed protocols. A number of alternative approaches to avoid these pitfalls are outlined: flexibility should be designed into the system rather relying on rigid checklists, creative and independent thinking should be encouraged to aid in identifying potential problems, success should be incentivized and rewarded, and training should be provided to aid control operators in thinking through safety and quality challenges. |