Food defense risk assessment template

Food safety assessments focus on unintentional contamination (like equipment failures or improper handling), while food defense risk assessments specifically address intentional adulteration threats. Your food defense assessment evaluates vulnerabilities where someone might deliberately contaminate products with intent to cause public harm, requiring different control measures than traditional food safety plans.

You should review and update your food defense risk assessment at least every three years as required by FDA regulations. However, updates are also necessary when you make significant changes to your facility, production processes, or when new threats emerge. Regular reassessment ensures your mitigation strategies remain effective against evolving threats.

Focus on the FDA’s four key vulnerable activities: bulk liquid receiving/loading, liquid storage/handling, secondary ingredient handling, and mixing operations. These areas are most susceptible to intentional adulteration, so you can pay special attention to points where ingredients are exposed or where limited supervision occurs.

Include representatives from quality assurance, operations, security, and management in your assessment team. This cross-functional approach ensures diverse perspectives on vulnerabilities and practical mitigation strategies. Consider involving someone with food defense training who understands the specific requirements of the Intentional Adulteration rule.