What is HACCP?

HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point. The HACCP is an internationally recognised system for reducing the risks of food safety hazards and food illness across the globe.

The HACCP management system addresses food safety through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards as its concerned with everything from raw material production, procurement, and handling to the manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of the finished product.

So, why is HACCP so important and why do we need it?

Awareness of foodborne illness and concern is a common conversation throughout the food industry. It’s becoming increasingly important to be aware of and to create a food safety culture where food safety precautions don’t seem out of the ordinary but are just expected. Having a HACCP certification or using an HACCP system is quickly becoming a standard of quality. In order to establish a universal food quality and safety standard, it’s important for the food industry to practice and instate the seven steps to HACCP:

  • Conduct a Hazard Analysis
    • This means that you determine what the safety hazards are and identify preventative measures.
  • Identify Critical Control Points
    • This step basically means that you identify a step in the food process where control can be applied to solve any food safety hazards.
  • Establish Critical Limits
    • This means an established guideline is developed to determine the maximum or minimum a hazard must be controlled. It’s establishing a standard of acceptability.
  • Establish Monitoring Procedures
    • Monitoring activities is critical to ensure that the process is under control at each critical control point.
  • Establish Corrective Actions
    • This is what must happen when an established monitoring procedure isn’t met.
  • Establish Verification Procedures
    • This ensures that the HACCP plan is adequate.
  • Record Keeping Procedures
    • This is to ensure that all facilities are held to the same standard and that they can provide documents if requested.

With this extensive list of checks and balances, it’s easy to see why the HACCP is a important element in the food industry.

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