When we carry out a verification we need to see your Food Control Plan (FCP) and records. However, we often find operators don't understand the difference.

Note – This is only relevant if you are operating a template Food Control Plan and is not relevant to National Programme businesses. 

When we ask to see the FCP we are regularly handed the diary records instead. The Food Control Plan is a document that outlines your processes and procedures. It is NOT a record keeping document like the diary. Your FCP probably looks like this:

Most of the FCP procedures are written for you but you do need to read it fully and fill in several details as they apply to your business. This is called tailoring the FCP and is essentially a one-off exercise. 

What we often find is once this is done, the operator files the FCP away and forgets about it. Remember it is a useful reference tool especially for staff training purposes so it is important to keep it handy to refer to when needed. It may also need updating periodically if anything changes, eg: if you introduce a new cooking process, you may need to carry out certain checks and keep additional records which the FCP will outline.

So that brings us to the diary records! The DCC offers a free diary book where you can record your 'day to day'  monitoring results and keep notes on problems, actions etc. It is NOT the FCP but rather an active document that supports it.

The diary we offer looks like this

Keep in mind however this diary is not the only way you can keep your necessary records. It doesn't matter how you record things as long as they are recorded! If you are unsure, please discuss this with your verifier.

This diary is currently offered in hard copy but if you are interested in electronic records, please read on..