This study investigates the diverse range of specific challenges and advantages faced by small-to-medium food enterprises in various geographic regions when implementing food safety management systems (FSMSs) like Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCPs). Global food safety and security are key principles to be followed in the context of the implementation of food safety management systems. The objective of this paper is to assess the contemporary developments in food safety management system standards (FSMSs) worldwide and identify the primary constraints and advantages associated with their implementation by small and medium-sized enterprises across different regions. The effectiveness of these systems was also evaluated. A total of 116 case studies across developing and developed regions of the world and across 27 primary food sectors were studied. After the implementation of an FSMS, there was a significant increase in the percentage of companies that have implemented the international FSMS, both in developed (16.7% to 63.9%) and developing countries (26.6% to 48.1%). Certification has also increased from 34.2% to 59.6% in the total sample, namely from 33.3% to 61.1% in developed countries and from 34.6% to 59.0% in developing countries. There was a significant increase in medium vs. small company size (57.1% to 62.3%, p = 0.046), but only in developing countries. Food safety cultures and manager leadership implementation increased to over 80% after FSMS implementation in both developed and developing countries (p < 0.001). Training, resources, and technology adequacy were also increased in all companies (p < 0.001).

Keywords: food safety management system (FSMS); good manufacturing best practices; prerequisite programs (PRPs); HACCP; systems thinking; food safety culture; food security; developing countries; developed countries