Food safety is of utmost importance to consumers, which is why many food businesses seek out HACCP certification. HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, and refers to a system that owners can use to ensure that their food is safe for consumption. By undergoing HACCP certification, a food company can demonstrate its commitment to food safety.
What is HACCP Certification?
If you’re a food business owner, then you know how important food safety is. After all, you want your customers to feel safe and confident in eating your product. That’s why many people seek out HACCP certification. HACCP is an internationally-recognized program that helps brands ensure the safety of their food. By complying with their framework of 7 major principles from Hazard Analysis Management to Holding Notes and Records, there are many benefits that business owners can obtain from getting certified.
- Hazard Analysis Management
The first principle of HACCP is Hazard Analysis Management. This involves looking at your food production process and identifying any areas where food safety could be compromised. Once these risks have been identified, you then need to put into place controls to mitigate them. This may involve things like training your staff on food safety practices or installing an industrial dishwasher.
- Determination of Critical Control Points
The second principle of HACCP is Determination of Critical Control Points. This is where you determine which steps in your production process are the most critical for food safety. You then need to put into place specific controls to ensure that these steps are executed safely and effectively.
- Determination of Critical Limit
The third principle of HACCP is Determination of Critical Limits. This is where you set maximum and minimum limits for the chemical, physical, and biological hazards in your food. By doing this, you can ensure that these hazards are kept under control at all times.
- Critical Control Points Monitoring
The fourth principle of HACCP is Critical Control Points Monitoring. This is where you put in place a system to track the performance of your critical control points. This includes things like daily temperature logs and product testing. By doing this, you can ensure that your food safety controls are working as they should be.
- Corrective action assessment
The fifth principle of HACCP is Corrective action assessment. This is where you determine what actions need to be taken if a critical control point is not meeting its target limit. This may involve things like product recalls or increasing the frequency of monitoring.
- Verification
The sixth principle of HACCP is verification. This is where you put in place a system to ensure that the controls you have put in place are effective. This may involve things like audits.
- Holding Notes and Records
The seventh and final principle of HACCP is record keeping. This is where you keep track of all the data collected from your hazard analysis and critical control points monitoring. This information can be used to improve your food safety program over time.
The Benefits of HACCP Certification
There are many benefits of achieving HACCP certification, including the following:
– Increased customer trust: One of the biggest benefits of HACCP certification is that it helps to build trust with your customers. By complying with an internationally-recognized food safety program, you are showing your customers that you take food safety seriously and that you are committed to providing them with safe and quality food. This can help you attract new customers and retain existing consumers for additional benefit.
– Increased product quality : Another big benefit of HACCP certification is that it helps to improve the quality of your product. By monitoring and controlling the critical points in your production process, you can ensure that no hazardous elements make their way into your food. This can help you maintain a high level of quality for your products and give companies a peace of mind regarding product recalls or complaints.
– Upgraded procedures for Company : When it comes to food safety, there is no room for error. By implementing the principles of HACCP into your business, you are introducing an efficient system of automated control that will help to keep your food safe at all times. This can help companies protect the reputation of the business and increase opportunities for growth.
How to get HACCP Certification
If you are interested in obtaining HACCP certification for your business, there are a few things you need to know.
The first step is to file an application with your local food authority. This application will need to include a detailed description of your food safety program, including the critical control points you have identified. The application is then reviewed.
Once your application is approved, you will need to pay a fee and undergo a price quotation and gap analysis. This process will help to ensure that your food safety program meets the requirements of the HACCP standard.
After this, implementation of improvements begin and training is provided to all employees about the changes that will occur on site. In addition document review is done to ensure that the company has all the documents necessary to complete the HACCP requirements.
Once all the requirements have been met, the company will be ready for the auditing stage. This is where an independent auditor will assess your food safety program and make sure that it meets the standards of the HACCP standard. There are 2 stages to the audit where the first stage is an initial inspect and review of the system in place and stage 2 revolves around corrective actions to non-conformity.
If your business passes the audit, it will be awarded with HACCP certification and your products receive a boost to their image and value.
How Interfinite Can Help
If you need help getting started with your HACCP certification, Interfinite can help. We offer a range of services that can help your business achieve certification through cost effective methods. Follow the link for more information.