
Food Defense by
Mystery Guest.
What is the trigger?
Together with Précon, the client determines that a visit by a Mystery Guest should clarify whether the physical measures taken (such as batch access) are effective and whether there is sufficient awareness among employees regarding Food Defense.
Prior to the Food Defense test, Précon's consultant agrees with the client on the scenario and the preconditions for the Mystery Guest's visit, such as compliance with hygiene regulations and what to do in case of exposure.
Visiting production.
On the agreed date, Précon's mystery guest attempts to gain access to the company's premises. During a previous test, for example, the consultant was able to gain access to the production areas because the batch system was inoperative at several doors. Also - against the rules - an employee at the personnel entrance opened the door for the consultant.
After gaining access to production areas, the consultant tests employees' approach behavior. The idea is for employees to address a stranger on his or her presence. In many companies, however, the approach culture proves inadequate, as the consultant can often enter different rooms without being addressed.
"The mystery guest's visit made it clear to us that our Food Defense measures are not sufficiently effective. Both physical measures and employee awareness are a concern.'' said one tested client.
"To increase employee awareness, Food Defense training is available."
Upon completion of the Food Defense test, the findings and opportunities for improvement are recorded and discussed with the client. Improvements are initiated based on these findings.
Comment from a customer: "A project has been started to raise awareness among our employees. One of its components is that we have provided a Food Defense training for our employees with Précon''.
Every year, a new Food Defense test can be conducted by a mystery guest to verify whether the improvements have worked and the measures taken are proving sufficiently effective.

Food Defense Mystery Guest.
Food safety standards, including IFS and BRCGS, require companies to test or assess the effectiveness of their Food Defense measures. Through the use of a Précon Mystery Guest, a company can give shape to this norm requirement.

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