Many different food professionals are involved in the
chain of food production, e.g. from primary production,
distribution, processing and manufacture, packaging,
retail, to food service and preparation in the home by
consumers. All those different professionals provide particular
contributions depending on the specific structure
and logistics of individual chains. The understanding of
their role and responsibility in the overall management
of the safety of the food product that is leaving a food
chain needs clear co-ordination (Gorris, 2002). Specific
concepts have been developed in food safety management,
i.e. microbiological criteria, control measures,
and process criteria, which support this co-ordination.
In addition, stakeholders in food safety management
such as governments, trade or sector organisations have
developed guidelines, best practice advice, regulations
and food safety standards.