Evaluation of Quality Management Systems in Flour Milling Companies in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria

Quality management systems provide structured frameworks for ensuring consistent product quality, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance in food manufacturing. Flour milling is a strategically important industry in Kaduna State, supplying raw materials to bakeries, confectioneries, and noodle manufacturers across North West Nigeria. This study evaluated the implementation and effectiveness of quality management systems in five flour milling companies operating in Kaduna, Zaria, and Saminaka. Data were collected through document review, in-depth management interviews, staff questionnaires, and facility audits conducted against International Organisation for Standardisation 22000 criteria. Quality parameters including flour moisture content, protein content, wet gluten, falling number, and ash content were also monitored over a three-month production period. Results showed that three of five companies had achieved formal quality management system certification, with certified companies demonstrating significantly lower product rejection rates and fewer customer complaints. Non-certified companies lacked documented standard operating procedures for critical processing steps. Staff quality awareness scores were significantly higher in certified facilities. Product parameter consistency was superior in certified mills, with flour protein content coefficient of variation below 3 percent. The study recommends accelerated International Organisation for Standardisation 22000 adoption across all flour milling operations in Kaduna State, supported by government-subsidised certification training to enhance the competitiveness of the Nigerian wheat processing sector. Keywords: quality management, flour milling, ISO 22000, food industry, Kaduna.