Industry Self-Assessment Checklist for Food Security - FREE PDF

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Industry self-assessment checklist for food security

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Use this template with Lumiform

The Lumiform application helps frontline teams uphold internal standards effortlessly.

Customize this template or build your own
Fill out templates via mobile app
Assign and track corrective actions
Get reports and analyse your data

Prices start from ░░░ per month

Book a demo

Learn more

Protect your food processing facility from intentional contamination with our industry self-assessment checklist for food security. This template helps you evaluate and strengthen your operation’s security measures across nine essential areas, from perimeter security to personnel screening. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration emphasizes that food defense is a critical component of a comprehensive food safety program, as intentional adulteration incidents can cause significant public health impacts.

Our template provides a structured approach to identifying vulnerabilities in your processes, storage areas, water systems, and other critical points. When implementing new security protocols, this checklist serves as your roadmap to ensure all aspects of food defense are addressed, helping you protect your products, consumers, and brand reputation.

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Entity

Facility Access Control

Are entry and exit points controlled and limited to authorized personnel and visitors?

Is access to the facility restricted by fencing, lighting, and surveillance cameras?

Are deliveries and visitors screened and logged?

Are background checks conducted on employees with access to sensitive areas?

Personnel Security

Are employee identification badges required and displayed at all times?

Are terminated employees' access privileges promptly revoked?

Is there a process to report and investigate security breaches or suspicious activities?

Inventory Control

Are raw materials, ingredients, and finished products secured and accounted for?

Are there procedures to detect and respond to tampering or adulteration?

Are storage areas, shipping, and receiving monitored and restricted?

Cyber Security

Are critical systems and networks protected from unauthorized access?

Are cybersecurity policies and procedures in place and regularly reviewed?

Are employees trained on cybersecurity best practices?

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I identify security gaps when using this checklist?

First, prioritize the gaps based on their potential impact and likelihood. Develop a corrective action plan with clear responsibilities and timelines for implementation. Document both the gaps and your planned mitigation strategies. For critical vulnerabilities, implement temporary controls immediately while developing permanent solutions.

What documentation should I maintain alongside this industry self-assessment checklist?

Maintain records of completed assessments, identified vulnerabilities, corrective actions taken, and verification activities. Also document security training records, visitor logs, incident reports, and any changes to your food security plan. These records demonstrate due diligence and provide valuable historical data for continuous improvement.

How can I customize this checklist for my specific food processing operation?

Review each section and modify questions to reflect your specific processes, facility layout, and product types. Add facility-specific questions about unique vulnerabilities in your operation. Remove sections that don’t apply (like slaughter operations if you only process food), and expand sections particularly relevant to your highest-risk areas.

How does this checklist help with regulatory compliance for food security?

This checklist helps you meet requirements from agencies like the FDA and USDA by documenting your food defense efforts. It addresses key elements of regulations like the FDA’s Intentional Adulteration Rule under FSMA, which requires food facilities to implement food defense plans with vulnerability assessments and mitigation strategies.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.