Regulatory compliance and document management ensure efficiency and safety in a large retail chain
The Challenge
A major franchisee of the prominent supermarket chain Todis in Central and Southern Italy, Lomi Group owns a network of supermarkets with different formats and departments (butchery, delicatessen, fruit & vegetables, frozen foods, bakery, etc.). In such a complex context, ensuring regulatory compliance and consistency in operational behaviour is a challenging task. The Group defined four operational priorities:
- Drafting HACCP manuals tailored for each store.
- Training the workforce on proper hygiene practices and food safety management.
- Auditing all stores regularly to monitor product and service quality standards.
- Compliance verification through targeted laboratory analyses.
The Solution
Strategic Approach:
- Detailed survey of department activities: We inspected the stores and collected the relevant technical data on layouts, equipment, and workflows, based on which we compiled all required manuals.
- On-site operational training: Our food technologists held training sessions directly at the supermarkets, tailoring the contents to the actual tasks performed by the staff of each store.
- Structured periodic audits: We implemented a monitoring plan to make sure procedures are complied with and to provide the executives with objective feedback.
- Microbiological and chemical analyses: in-store preparations have been tested to verify they all comply with safety norms.
Techniques Implemented
- Ad hoc HACCP manuals: each store has been provided with updated documents consistent with the actual activities carried out, compliant with current regulations, and easy for operators to understand.
- Ongoing training: theoretical and practical training sessions, including one-to-one formats, to raise staff awareness and improve daily management of food safety.
- Announced and unannounced audits: regular check-ups to verify hygiene, application of procedures, condition of the equipment, and compliance with regulations.
- Laboratory analyses: conducted by accredited labs on fresh preparations and work environments to ensure food safety.
The Impact of Our Work
- Updated and compliant manuals: implemented in over 10 supermarkets in Rome.
- Trained staff: sessions on best practices and food safety.
- Accurate monitoring: constant verification of the application of operating procedures.
- Microbiological compliance: ensured through specialized laboratory analyses.
The Results
- Specific documentation: each Todis store now has a customized HACCP manual that is clear and compliant with both regional and national regulations.
- Greater operational awareness: thanks to targeted training, staff are capable of dealing with food safety procedures more carefully and independently.
- Structured and timely controls: the audit system ensures constant and traceable monitoring for management, with immediate corrective actions in case of issues.
- Safer and compliant products: laboratory analyses monitor the safety of the food prepared indoors.
