Written by Chomp | January, 2018
The hidden costs of paper-based Food Control Plans
Paper Food Control Plans (FCPs) are notorious for being unwieldy, messy, and time-consuming to maintain. Endless ring binders and stacks of paperwork quickly create confusion, leaving staff tied up in admin instead of focusing on customers. For business owners, that translates into wasted hours and wasted money.
Time and wage drain
It’s estimated that the average staff member spends at least 176 hours each year managing a paper-based system. Multiply that by multiple staff across multiple venues, and suddenly you’re looking at a serious expense. What seems like “just paperwork” becomes a significant drag on both time and wages.
The extra expenses of paper systems
The costs don’t stop at wages. Storing files for the required retention period takes up valuable space, which can be costly when every square metre counts. On top of that, managers or auditors often need to travel between sites to check records or troubleshoot issues. All of this eats into time and money that could be invested in improving your customer experience.
Compliance risks and audit penalties
An incorrectly maintained FCP carries even bigger risks. Non-compliance can result in fines or more expensive audits, and those hourly audit fees add up fast. Some New Zealand Councils are now using food safety performance as a factor to determine how often venues are inspected and how much annual registration renewal fees will be. Venues deemed “high risk” face more frequent checks and higher costs, while those with strong compliance records are inspected less often and save money.
How digital FCPs save you money
A simple, easy-to-use digital FCP app changes the game. By guiding each venue to maintain high food safety standards, you reduce compliance risk and avoid unnecessary fees. At audit time, clear, accurate records can halve the time auditors spend on-site – which means smaller bills and less disruption.
Staff benefits and customer protection
Staff also report that they much prefer using digital FCPs over paper. Alerts and reminders reduce the risk of missed tasks, while easy-to-complete checklists save time. That efficiency means you don’t need to hire extra hands just to keep up with the paperwork, freeing your team to focus on looking after your customers. And when tasks are easier and more reliable, food safety standards are consistently higher. That protects not only your customers but also your reputation.
Safeguarding your reputation
At the end of the day, the most expensive consequence of a poorly maintained FCP isn’t the extra wages, the audit bills, or the fines. It’s the damage to your reputation if something goes wrong. A digital FCP helps you avoid that risk by making compliance simple, reliable, and cost-effective – so you can spend less time on paperwork and more time building a brand your customers trust.
Want to see how much you could save? Download our free eBook to learn how a digital FCP can cut costs and protect your business.