What is the main reason for keeping accurate records?

Keeping accurate records serves several important functions in a food safety context, and one of the most critical reasons is that they help support a due diligence defense in court. This means that if a food safety issue arises, such as a case of foodborne illness, having detailed, accurate documentation can provide evidence that the business followed all required safety protocols and regulations. It demonstrates that the company took the necessary steps to ensure food safety and complied with established guidelines.

In the event of legal action, detailed records can show that the business did not neglect its responsibilities and acted appropriately within the framework of food safety practices. This proof can be crucial for mitigating legal liability and proving that any contamination was not due to negligence.

While other reasons for maintaining records—such as detailing employee performance or tracking training implementations—are relevant, they do not hold the same weight in a legal context where the focus is primarily on compliance and accountability. Thus, the ability to establish a due diligence defense is the main reason for keeping thorough and precise records in the food safety industry.