Principal interests, purpose and activities

Terms of reference of the Quality Management Panel shall be as noted in the general recommended terms of reference and constitution of the Panels.

To provide a forum for discussion and to influence developments in quality management, the sharing of best practice, information exchange, research direction and management of topics relating to quality management, bearing in mind that some research may be overseen by other relevant Technical Advisory Panels.

To consider, suggest and monitor projects where quality management will lead to improvements in food quality, safety and processing efficiency

Areas of interest can be grouped into the following themes:

• Safety and quality assurance systems (e.g. ISO 22000, HACCP)
• Legislation information and updates (e.g. labelling, emerging law)
• Topical food issues (allergens, sourcing non-EU raw materials, avian flu)
• Awareness presentations (DEFRA, FSA, CIEH, REHIS, EHO´s, retailers, legal)
• Sustainability issues (training, food miles, carbon foot print, greener businesses, water)
• Staff training (quality managers, student placement, NVQ, partnerships) in all aspects of safety and quality management
• Supply chain issues (agents & brokers guidance, traceability, BRC updates)
• Accreditation and certification (generic standards v specific standards such as animal welfare, organics, auditor proficiency)
• Software and other methods to aid information transfer
• Business continuity planning (incident, and recall management)
• Reducing costs without compromising quality (lean manufacturing
• Risk assessment

The panel meetings will involve various activities in pursuit of these interests:

• Panel meetings
• Presentations, discussion, break-out groups and generating ideas within the meetings
• Joint meetings with other panels, on an ad hoc basis as appropriate
• Availability of panel information and documents through the panel web page