Introduction to HACCP
What is HACCP?
HACCP, or Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, is a systematic approach to food safety that focuses on identifying, evaluating, and controlling hazards throughout the food production process. It is internationally recognized and essential for ensuring the safety of food products.
Principles of HACCP
Conduct a Hazard Analysis
Identify potential hazards that could affect food safety, including biological, chemical, and physical risks.
Determine Critical Control Points (CCPs)
Identify points in the process where controls can be applied to prevent or eliminate hazards.
Establish Critical Limits
Define the maximum or minimum values for each CCP to ensure hazards are controlled.
Implement Monitoring Procedures
Develop procedures to regularly check CCPs and ensure they are within critical limits.
Establish Corrective Actions
Plan actions to take when monitoring shows a CCP is not within the established limits.
Verify the System Works
Validate that the HACCP plan is effective and functioning as intended.
Maintain Records and Documentation
Keep detailed records of all HACCP procedures and outcomes to ensure transparency and compliance.
Why is HACCP important?
Implementing HACCP helps businesses identify and manage risks before they become a problem, ensuring the safety of their products and protecting consumers. It also helps companies comply with regulatory requirements and improves operational efficiency.
HACCP is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving SQF certification, as it forms the backbone of the SQF Food Safety Code's requirements.
A well-implemented HACCP system not only simplifies the SQF certification process but provides the systematic approach to food safety management that certification bodies look for during audits. Companies with robust HACCP programs typically find it easier to demonstrate compliance with SQF requirements.
How Protocol Foods can help
Transform your HACCP planning with AI that understands food safety from ingredients to implementation.
Instant ingredient analysis
Generate complete hazard analyses from your raw ingredient list. Our AI agents identify every physical, chemical, and biological risk, with severity ratings.
Smart control point mapping
Get precise monitoring requirements and control measures for each CCP, validated against regulatory standards.
Digital conversion in minutes
Upload your current HACCP plan and our AI-platform performs GFSI gap analysis, highlighting exactly what you need for certification readiness.
Always audit-ready
We continuously monitor FDA and USDA guideline changes, and our AI automatically suggests HACCP plan updates and keeps you audit-ready.
Combine the power of AI with human expertise. Our certified food safety professionals offer white-glove consulting services to help you develop and implement your HACCP program.