The cost of poor quality (COPQ) is an important consideration for any food and beverage company looking to operate safely and efficiently. Still, care must be taken to ensure the cost of good quality isn’t also sacrificed. Often, cutting corners results in expensive recalls and hurts a company’s reputation. However, actively taking steps to prevent quality issues can lower the overall cost of quality, all while maintaining the final product’s quality.
The cost of poor quality can spiral out of control when no quality management system (QMS) is in place. Leaving issues unresolved and changes unmanaged lets errors fester, driving up the costs associated with low-quality output.
Between 2021 and 2023, an estimated 70% of all food-related recalls resulted from “loss of control during the packaging and labeling processes.” These recalls were attributed to multiple types of operational errors. Unfortunately, Packaging and labeling mistakes are some of the most common issues businesses face. However, the good news is that these mistakes are also some of the easiest to prevent with the right systems and tools in place.
For organizations striving to balance cost-effectiveness and quality, the role of a QMS becomes indispensable.
