A MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PREVENTING INTENTIONAL FOOD CONTAMINATION BASED ON RISK ANALYSIS

Purpose - In overall terms, this paper aims on a proposal formulation based on a risk analysis that allows establishing a management system for preventing intentional food contamination and the improvement of the security of the supply chain. Given the recent events in Paris and Belgium, consideration has also been given to the present situation and the Importance of the issue of preventing any kind of terrorism. Design / methodology / approach - The article reviews the history of food terrorism and food defense. Then, it makes a proposal for a management system that allows the control of some vulnerabilities on any link in the food supply chain, based on a risk analysis. The management system is adapted from different management systems that cover a risk analysis, such as the Management System of Information Security (MSIS), based on the standard ISO / IEC 27001. The risk analysis presented in one of the phases is based in recent methodology known as Threat Assessment Critical Control Points. Findings - The proposed management system has the potential to reduce the risk of any deliberate act against the food supply chain links (Economically Motivated Adulteration, Malicious Contamination, Extortion, or Espionage Counterfeiting) and it makes possible to achieve continuous improvement in food defense. Research Limitations / Implications - This initial study covers only the theoretical and methodological proposal focusses only on the companies of the alimentary industry of Guanajuato State in Mexico. However, it may extend into a research plan security of food supply chain. The next logical step is to test the management system in a food company. Practical Implications - The management system is practical because it can be applied immediately on any link in the food supply chain in different sectors of the same (dairy, meat, etc.) in different geographic locations or countries (South America, Europe, etc.) and different sizes of companies (small, medium or large). Originality / value - This system is a new approach for food defense managing, and it is fully compatible with any standard ISO (e.g. 1509000), which is of great value in terms of implementation on any link in the chain of food supplies.