Supplier audits
It is essential that the flight caterers audit their suppliers. Hygiene and sanitation
inspections should be both announced and unannounced. The sanitation
guidelines used for these inspectors will either be those from the appropriate
regulatory agency, e.g. Food Act and Regulations in UK, the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in the US or the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA), or those sanitary guidelines laid down by the flight caterer.
These inspections should be seen as positive arrangements inviting
opportunities to discuss quality aspects of provision and also those aspects of
provision, concerns, and requirements the flight caterer has on behalf of the
airline. Feedback should also be obtained from the supplier on how the products
are being used and how they are performing. The flight caterer may well
discover that certain products are not being used to the best advantage. Advice
can then be given on the best possible ways forward. Therefore, any inspection
should be seen as a friendly exchange of information to improve the
understanding of the products being supplied.