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SA Health digital food safety solution
In partnership with the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN) and Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN), ISS has elevated food safety standards by implementing a bespoke version of the Safe Food Pro system. This innovative approach supports SA Health's commitment to excellence in quality care and safety within South Australia's healthcare sector.
Start date: 2022
Placemakers: 302
5 locations/10 kitchens:
Hospitals
Retail cafes
Occupational therapy (assisted cooking)
Services provided:
Food
Cleaning
Distribution
Grounds and gardens
Safe Food Pro implementation at ISS-serviced SA Health sites
SA Health, a leading healthcare provider in South Australia, has enhanced its food-safety practices by implementing a bespoke version of the Safe Food Pro system. In what is thought to be an Australian healthcare first, SA Health, made a significant shift away from traditional paper-based methods at its ISS-serviced sites. Previously, the auditing and documentation of food-safety programs were handled manually with paper records, but the introduction of Safe Food Pro has modernised and streamlined these essential processes.
Customised food safety solution
In collaboration with Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN) and Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN), the Safe Food Pro system was highly customised to align with rigorous healthcare requirements. It was configured to manage a complex food-safety program, accommodating an eight-day menu cycle, over 100 diet codes, more than 50 allergens and specialised texture-modified diets. This customisation ensured that all patients, especially those with specific dietary needs, received safe and appropriate meals, in line with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) requirements.
In collaboration with Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN) and Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN), the Safe Food Pro system was highly customised to align with rigorous healthcare requirements. It was configured to manage a complex food-safety program, accommodating an eight-day menu cycle, over 100 diet codes, more than 50 allergens and specialised texture-modified diets. This customisation ensured that all patients, especially those with specific dietary needs, received safe and appropriate meals, in line with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) requirements.
Multi-site support and sustainability
Safe Food Pro’s versatility was instrumental in managing SA Health’s dispersed operations that are supported by ISS. The app-based system, accessible across various devices, streamlined communication and data-sharing between different sites. Despite each facility’s unique operational requirements – cook-fresh, cook-chill, and heat-and-serve models – Safe Food Pro demonstrated adaptability, ensuring consistent and comprehensive food-safety standards.
As well as operational efficiency, Safe Food Pro’s implementation supported improved sustainability results. The elimination of paper-based documentation, such as the estimated 6,000 sheets of paper previously used for annual food safety audits, substantially reduced SA Health’s carbon footprint.
Driving change through digital transformation
The reasons for implementing Safe Food Pro included:
- Real-time compliance: The system allows live monitoring and reporting for improved compliance with food safety regulations.
- Operational efficiency: By streamlining processes, Safe Food Pro saved valuable time and resources for food service staff and management.
- Proactive risk management: The system’s ability to quickly identify and address non-conformances improved overall food safety.
- Carbon footprint reduction: Safe Food Pro’s digital platform substantially reduced paper consumption, contributing to SA Health’s sustainability goals.
Implementation and overcoming challenges
The integration of Safe Food Pro involved precision planning and execution. Key stages included system setup, form development and a phased onboarding process for smooth transition from paper-based methods. While the system has been successful overall, we encountered some limitations with the Cook Chill records module, requiring a return to paper-based methods. We are actively working to address these issues. Ongoing communication and collaboration with staff were essential to address challenges and encourage user adoption.
Although the transition presented challenges, such as redesigning workflows, adapting to new processes and upskilling staff, the team’s perseverance and commitment to continuous improvement ensured a successful implementation.
Positive outcomes
The adoption of a tailored Safe Food Pro model has benefitted SA Health’s food-safety operations in multiple ways. This system has not only improved food safety practices but also reduced paper consumption, streamlined regulatory audits with live reporting, and enabled real-time monitoring of critical parameters. Automated alerts and rapid identification of non-conformances have strengthened proactive risk management. Additionally, this digital solution has minimised human error, simplified monitoring and made audits more efficient.
A model for the future
SA Health’s success with Safe Food Pro demonstrates the transformative potential of digital food-safety solutions. SA Health has not only improved food safety on site but has also established a new benchmark for sustainability and efficiency in healthcare. This case exemplifies a valuable model for other organisations seeking to modernise their food-safety practices and deliver high-quality food services.