If you work in food processing, chances are you’re probably familiar with the concept of a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point or HACCP. Here’s a little about what we’ve learned about HACCP.
As part of a HACCP Plan, a Hazard Analysis identifies “Critical Control Points” or CCPs — those points, steps or procedures in food manufacturing process at which control can be applied and as a result, a food safety hazard can be prevented, eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level. With CCPs identified, a HACCP Plan provides a series of procedures to control the process and sensitive points in the food chain, with the ultimate goal of producing foods that are safe for consumers’ health.
HACCP is a part of the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) proposed by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011. While FSMA is fairly new, did you know the concept of HACCP has actually been around for some time? Here is the answer to that question along with some other interesting things about HACCP that many people may not be aware of.
1. HACCP is not a new system.
HACCP is a concept that’s been around since the 1960s. It was developed by the Pillsbury Company, the US Army Laboratories and NASA to help produce safe food for space missions. Today, HACCP is a recognized international standard for safe food production. It is endorsed by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and in the United States by the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF).
2. Not every hazard is a CCP.
As part of putting together a HACCP Plan, there’s a thought-process or Decision Matrix one can use to review each step in a food workflow process and determine the likelihood of hazards that could occur. Once a hazard is identified, then it is evaluated whether or not it is a CCP. Going through this evaluation, one will soon discover that not every hazard is a CCP. If a control measure is already in place to address the hazard, then chances are the hazard is not a CCP.
3. It takes a team to put together a HACCP Plan.
Through our experiences working with food processors, we’ve seen that some of the best HACCP Plans are the result of a team effort by the key individuals responsible for food safety within a food processing operation. The team may include managers from quality assurance, plant operations, engineering, maintenance, sanitation, and shipping & receiving. In addition, it’s often advised that someone who works on the line, such as a Line Supervisor and/or Machine Operator, provide input to the HACCP Plan to help assure alignment with day-to-day operations.
4. One person should be responsible for the HACCP Plan.
While it often takes a team to put together a well-structured HACCP Plan, we’ve also observed that maintaining the plan should ideally be the responsibility of just one person within a food processing organization. That person is usually the HACCP Coordinator. However, if there is no HACCP Coordinator, then the responsibility often falls to the Quality Manager, or even the company’s CEO.
5. Review the HACCP Plan regularly.
In a perfect world, anytime something changes within a food process, then the HACCP Coordinator should review the HACCP Plan and update it accordingly. At the very least, it’s suggested that a HACCP Plan be reviewed every 3 to 6 months.
How does your food processing facility deal with HACCP? If you have any additional tips or observations about putting together and maintaining a successful HACCP Plan, we’d love to hear them.
