Brand Data

Look at your own information first, then look at outside data that will impact your business.

• Complaints or social ratings on suspect foodborne illness, cleanliness, food quality, food specifications or employee practices.
• Health inspections results. Correct any violations on site or as quickly as possible and put sustainable systems in place to prevent risky behaviors and environments.
• Brand key performance indicators such as waste logs, P&L’s, guest counts, customer survey results and employee surveys.
• Pest reports. Pests negatively impact an experience and have the potential to spread disease. Correct all structural and sanitation opportunities noted in reports and proactively prevent pest entry.
• Third party assessments. Unbiased third-party data can give insight into how a location is performing against set brand and food safety standards.
• Supplier audits. Review supplier audits as part of the approval process and regularly for potential food safety risks.

Newsletters

You can sign up for various platforms that offer food safety alerts, providing you with valuable information.

• Ecolab Food Safety Monitor: A free monthly newsletter written by Ecolab food safety experts covering regulatory updates, current research, seasonal food safety issues, hot topics in food safety and more.
  Subscribe here: Food Safety Monitor Newsletter Sign Up

Consultant Groups

If you have specific questions, it might be beneficial to connect with one of several consultant groups. They can assist with issues within your organization.

Ecolab: Ecolab gathers and analyzes data to develop customized solutions for your business, utilizing resources such as Ecolab Science Certified, Health Department Data, and third-party assessments. Learn more about Ecolab Science Certified and EcoSure below:

• Ecolab Science Certified: Ecolab Science Certified Program and Seal
• EcoSure: EcoSure Food Safety | Food Service Food Safety and Brand Protection

Ecolab’s Global Food Safety and Public Health Team is committed to advancing food safety and public health through research, project support, committee and board participation, newsletters, presentations, tours, podcasts, webinars, articles, conference attendance, regulatory updates, and more. Meet our team here: Food Safety Experts

• Fact Sheets: Ecolab provides a microbial risks page featuring pathogen fact sheets and best practices. Visit our microbial risks page here: Microbial Risks

Additional Trusted Sources

Regulations: 

• The Food Code: The FDA Food Code provides guidance on how to reduce the risk of foodborne illness in foodservice and food retail. Access the 2022 Food Code here: FDA Food Code 2022: Full Document
• Read which states have adopted which version of the Food Code here: Adoption of the FDA Food Code by State and Territorial Agencies Responsible for the Oversight of Restaurants and/or Retail Food Stores

Estimates of the global burden of foodborne diseases:

• The World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO has estimates of the global burden of foodborne diseases. Visit their website: World Health Organization (WHO)

Active and closed foodborne illness outbreak investigations:

• The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): The CDC generates reports on foodborne outbreaks. Visit their Foodborne Outbreaks page: Foodborne Outbreaks
• The Food and Drug Association (FDA): The FDA provides business owners with guidance, resources, and support to ensure their products meet regulatory standards and are safe for consumers. Visit their website: Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

Follow Recalls and Withdrawals:

• Reference the FDA, CDC websites, and ask your local regulator for the latest information on recalls: Recalls, Market Withdrawals, and Safety Alerts
• Food Recall Reporter: Food Industry Counsel offers a Food Recall Reporter, a searchable database for FDA and USDA food product recalls. This tool enables users to search for food and beverage recalls, identify the types of food products involved, understand the reasons for the recalls, and see the names of the companies issuing the recalls.
• Check out the Food Recall Reporter here: Food Recall Search – Food Industry Counsel

Maintaining a high standard of food safety is crucial for the success and reputation of any food service operation. By leveraging the resources and tools available, such as brand data, health inspection results, and third-party assessments, you can stay informed and proactive in addressing potential food safety risks. Additionally, subscribing to newsletters, following recalls and withdrawals, and consulting with expert groups like Ecolab can provide valuable insights and support. Together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our customers, employees, families and communities.