The role of government agencies in assessing HACCP

There is worldwide evaluation and reorganization of food inspection and control systems geared towards improving efficiencies, rationalizing human resources and introducing risk analysis-based approaches. The HACCP principles play a pivotal role in these preventive approaches. Their application is a responsibility of the food industry, whereas government control agencies are responsible for monitoring and assessing their proper implementation. This paper reviews some of the issues pertinent to HACCP assessment, namely its purpose, activities involved, frequency of assessment, HACCP approval/certification, qualifications and training of assessors. It is based on the experience of the author in training and assisting industry and government agencies in implementing HACCP-based quality systems, especially in developing countries, where food export has a major impact on the national economies.     

HACCP-based program for on-farm food safety for pig production in Australia

The standard Codex HACCP approach was modified to allow a hazard analysis and critical control point determination to be conducted at an industry level and then used to determine the appropriate on-farm food safety control measures for pig production in Australia. A detailed risk-based profile with hazard identification, hazard characterisation and levels of microbial contamination for production and primary processing was used as a major technical resource to inform HACCP determinations. The process resulted in the identification of Critical Control Points for control of a specific physical hazard (non-recovered broken needles) and prevention of violations of Maximum Residue Limits with agricultural and veterinary chemicals. In relation to the identified microbiological hazards, it was noted that there are numerous Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to prevent and/or reduce their risk and these controls would also need to be a feature of any on-farm food safety program. By applying a HACCP-based approach it was determined that the application of a set of Good Agricultural Practices on-farm would be effective in ensuring low risk. It was, therefore, concluded that on-farm food safety programs may not warrant full (i.e. Codex compliant) HACCP plans at the individual enterprise level provided appropriate GAP is in place. The results provide pig producers and the Australian pig industry with the elements of a HACCP-based food safety system that are scientifically justifiable, understandable and realistic to apply. These features are essential elements that underpin successful implementation and compliance by industry.     

HACCP economics in fish processing plants

This paper is aimed to show in a quantitative way the tech-economic advantages of applying a HACCP-based system in fish processing plants with a focus on the quality costs methodology. Quality costs before and after HACCP implementation at three fish processing plants located in Latin America are analyzed. The problems encountered and the resulting benefits are also described. Some of the findings demonstrate that a HACCP-based system implementation reduces failure costs, improves quality, and allows for better knowledge of production planning and control, showing that in the first years of HACCP implementation, when failure costs are over 80% of TQC, each dollar expended in controllable costs returns more than two dollars in failure savings.     

HACCP-based approach to the derivation of an on-farm food safety program for the Australian red meat industry

The standard Codex HACCP approach was modified to allow a hazard analysis to be conducted at an industry level which could then be used to derive appropriate on-farm food safety control measures for cattle, sheep and goat production in Australia. Scientific information from a through chain risk profile of the red meat industry was used as a major resource for the hazard analysis. The process resulted in the identification of critical control points for control of bovine spongioform encephalopathy (BSE), prevention of violations of maximum residue limits with agricultural and veterinary chemicals and infection with Cysticercus bovis (Beef Measles). By applying this HACCP-based approach it was determined that the application of a simple set of good agricultural practices (GAP) on-farm would be effective in ensuring low risk. It was, therefore, concluded that on-farm food safety schemes may not warrant full HACCP plans at the individual enterprise level as long as appropriate GAP is in place. The results provide red meat producers with the elements of a HACCP-based food safety scheme that is scientifically justifiable, understandable and realistic to apply which are essential elements that underpin successful implementation and compliance by industry. Subsequently, an on-farm food safety program has been developed to provide an appropriate level of protection for consumers as well as to protect Australia’s trade from food safety-related issues.     

Implementation of HACCP and prerequisite programs in food businesses in Turkey

The objectives of this study was to determine food safety practices and procedures related to the hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) programme and prerequisite programme implementation in food businesses. One hundred and nine food businesses in Turkey were assessed for HACCP-prerequisite programmes and food safety practices. Only eight food businesses had implemented the HACCP system in food businesses. Directors and employees often have insufficient knowledge regarding the basics of food hygiene. Results indicated that proper food safety practices and prerequisite food safety programmes for HACCP were often not being followed in many food businesses. Time and temperature errors and inadequate handwashing practices were wide in the most food businesses. Emphasis on implementing prerequisite programmes in preparation for HACCP is needed in food businesses. The problems of implementing HACCP in food businesses have been namely a low level of food hygiene management training, high staff turnover rate, lack of motivation, lack of financial resources, inadequate equipment and physical conditions of the facility and failure of government.     

A Swot analysis of HACCP implementation in Madagascar

Malagasy government is updating its legal and regulatory framework to develop a sound national food control system. In this context, promoting good hygienic practices and HACCP principles where appropriate, are important components to ensure that food safety goals are met throughout the food chain. Relevant institutions and laboratories were identified regarding four main responsibilities for which the commitment of government is vital (food policy, risk assessment, legislation, public authorities). The paper highlighted then the internal Strengths and Weaknesses, as well as the external Opportunities and Threats, the government is facing towards the implementation of GHPs and HACCP system.     

The HACCP system implementation in small businesses of Madrid’s community

The main goal of this paper is addressed to evaluate the HACCP system implementation in small food industries of Madrid’s autonomous community. Important practical barriers about HACCP development have been identified. There were investigated the manufacturing food industries of animal origin during 5 years, between 1999 and 2003. The research analyzed areas concerning business demand, legal requirements and quality management systems, food industry size, human resources, technical support and assessors, prerequisites, time scale and HACCP implementation official assessment. Conclusions have met the beginning of HACCP system implementation by food industries following the application of a strategic plan and public health program, as well as several difficulties in small food industries with regard to HACCP system applying, and the fundamental influence of prerequisites implementation and management commitment on effective HACCP system. To overcome such barriers, it is proposed a strategy, which includes all different stakeholders.     

Technical barriers to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)

During the last three decades, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) has been progressively introduced and applied for the benefit of the food industry. However, it should be recognised that HACCP systems have not been homogeneously implemented across all food industry sectors. Reasons for not implementing, maintaining and updating HACCP programmes cannot be explained purely in terms of unwillingness by manufacturers but rather by the presence of technical barriers that may impede the application of the system. Technical barriers represent all those practices, attitudes and perceptions that negatively affect the understanding of the HACCP concept and hence the proper and effective implementation and maintenance of the HACCP principles. This paper describes the potential barriers that may impede the correct use of HACCP before it has been implemented, during the process of implementation and after it has been implemented. Until barriers impeding HACCP have been resolved, HACCP systems will not be implemented throughout the whole food chain and it will not be able to reach its full potential as prerequisite for the international trade of foodstuffs.     

HACCP – The difficulty with Hazard Analysis

HACCP is a key element of modern food safety management practice such that design, implementation, control and management of HACCP systems are crucial to the production of safe food products. Whilst it is widely accepted that food companies should apply HACCP, understanding of the factors impacting successful HACCP application is limited and this knowledge is important to the delivery of systems that will control all relevant food safety hazards. HACCP principle 1, Conduct a Hazard Analysis, forms a central pillar of any HACCP plan since hazards need to be identified, analysed and understood before effective control measures can be specified. However limited guidance is available to HACCP teams on exactly how to approach the application of this principle. This paper discusses an investigation into the application of HACCP principle 1 by HACCP teams operating within manufacturing sites of a multinational food company. Using a combination of HACCP knowledge testing and HACCP plan assessment, the study identified weaknesses in knowledge of significant hazard identification and errors in the hazard analysis process, including errors in application of structured risk evaluation methods. Findings suggest that this is an area of difficulty for HACCP teams and that further detailed guidance in the application of this HACCP principle is urgently needed.     

HACCP in the United Kingdom

Formal UK Government initiatives to encourage the implementation of HACCP based control systems began in the early 1990s. Early consideration was given to HACCP training activities for both industry and food control officials.In the early 1990s HACCP systems were increasingly introduced by the UK food industry through supplier specification requirements. From 1993 onward, legal requirements for HACCP based controls were progressively introduced through European single market legislation. Subsequently a range of central UK guidance has been produced to encourage and assess HACCP based control systems in UK food businesses.     

Reducing the burden of HACCP on SMEs

Despite the acknowledged contribution of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to the food industry there is increasing evidence that Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) implementation is limited in this sector, with the burden of implementation perceived as potentially insurmountable. Using an action research methodology, this in-depth, government funded research project took the form of a two stage, 18 month investigation into methods of reducing burdens of HACCP on SMEs. Stage one indicted that SMEs see HACCP as a difficult, complex set of activities requiring great amounts of time effort and with few, if any, perceived benefits. In stage two, however, with the help of research tools developed, a number of SMEs completed HACCP and many made good progress on a tight timescale. This research thus concludes that SMEs can achieve HACCP if they are provided with sufficient guidance and support in a context of general consensus of HACCP terminology and requirements. Recommendations are made, many of which have been subsequently adopted by the UK Food Standards Agency.     

New Zealand approaches to HACCP systems

HACCP is becoming an increasingly important component of food safety assurances for international trade and this includes the expectation that the exporting country will meet similar or equivalent HACCP requirements to those of the importing country. The influence of market access requirements and the existing legislative requirements and infrastructure of New Zealand determine the government’s role in assessing HACCP systems. Recent structural changes in New Zealand has introduced flexibility in this role. The importance of building blocks for HACCP such as prerequisite programmes, food safety objectives, generic HACCP plans, HACCP specifications, and audit competency requirements are emphasised. Government role in assessment is discussed, including the initial “recognition” of a validated HACCP plan followed by performance-based compliance audits.     

Seafood safety and quality: An analysis of the supply chain in the Sultanate of Oman

The globalization of trade in fish has created many challenges for the developing world specifically with regard to food safety and quality. International organisations have established a good basis for standards in international trade. Whilst these requirements are frequently embraced by the major importers (such as Japan, the EU and the USA), they often impose additional safety requirements and regularly identify batches which fail to meet their strict standards. Creating an effective national seafood control system which meets both the internal national needs as well the requirements for the export market can be challenging. Many countries adopt a dual system where seafood products for the major export markets are subject to tight control whilst the majority of the products (whether for the local market or for more regional trade) are less tightly controlled. With regional liberalization also occurring, deciding on appropriate controls is complex. In the Sultanate of Oman, fisheries production is one of the countries' chief sources of economic revenue after oil production and is a major source of the national food supply. In this paper the structure of the fish supply chain has been analysed and highlighted the different routes operating for the different markets. Although much of the fish are consumed within Oman, there is a major export trade to the local regional markets. Much smaller quantities meet the more stringent standards imposed by the major importing countries and exports to these are limited. The paper has considered the development of the Omani fish control system including the key legislative documents and the administrative structures that have been developed. Establishing modern controls which satisfy the demands of the major importers is possible but places additional costs on businesses. Enhanced controls such as HACCP and other management standards are required but can be difficult to justify when alternative markets do not specify these. These enhanced controls do however provide additional consumer protection and can bring benefits to local consumers. The Omani government is attempting to upgrade the system of controls and has made tremendous progress toward the implementation of HACCP and introducing enhanced management systems into its industrial sector. The existence of strengthened legislative and government support, including subsidies, has encouraged some businesses to implement HACCP. The current control systems have been reviewed and an SWOT analysis approach used to identify key factors for their future development. The study shows that seafood products in the supply chain are often exposed to lengthy handling and distribution process before reaching the consumers, a typical issue faced by many developing countries. As seafood products are often perishable, they safety is compromised if not adequately controlled. The enforcement of current food safety laws in the Sultanate of Oman is shared across various government agencies. Consequently, there is a need to harmonize all regulatory requirements, enhancing the domestic food protection and to continue to work towards a fully risk-based approach in order to compete successfully in the global market.     

Difficulties and barriers for the implementing of HACCP and food safety systems in food businesses in Turkey

The purpose of this study was to determine barriers for HACCP and food safety programs in food businesses in Turkey. A lack of understanding of HACCP was identified as one of the main barriers to its implementation 63.5% reported that they did not really know what HACCP was while 23.5% reported that it was too complicated. Only 33.0% of managers said they had a food safety management system. About 31% of the employees in food businesses had received basic food hygiene training. The majority of managers (91.3%) identified improved customer confidence as a benefit of implementing a food safety management system. Lack of prerequisite programs (92.2%) was the key barrier identified for all food businesses. While lack of knowledge about HACCP (83.5%), lack of time (88.7%), staff turnover (80.9%), lack of employee motivation (83.5%), complicated terminology (87.0%) and lack of personnel training (91.3) was the other most common barriers in food businesses. As a conclusion, lack of knowledge about HACCP and other food safety programs were identified as the main barriers for food safety in food businesses. Lack of prerequisite programs and inadequate physical condition of the facility were also identified as other barriers. Training programs, both basic food safety and HACCP to support implementation of prerequisite programs and HACCP in food businesses were suggested.     

Implementation of the hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) system to Kasseri/Kefalotiri and Anevato cheese production lines

The implementation of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system to Greek traditional dairy products is of great importance in order to produce microbiologically safe foods. The HACCP system has gradually gained popularity and acceptance and is currently considered as a prerequisite should a food manufacturer wish his products to enter the international market. The HACCP system was implemented for three different cheese making processes (Kasseri, Kefalotiri and Anevato) as produced by local companies in Northern Greece. Microorganisms seem to be more effectively controlled by developing a Quality System (HACCP, ISO 9001/2) in the case of semi-hard and hard cheese (Kasseri and Kefalotiri, respectively) whereas in the case of soft cheese (Anevato) this proves to be by far a more difficult task because of its texture and high water content.     

Comparison of implementing HACCP systems of exporter Mexican and Chinese meat enterprises

International trade scrutinises food safety practices and procedures, and food businesses have to review their safety procedures more rigorously. HACCP is increasingly relied on to ensure food safety in both meat-producing and meat-processing enterprises. The objective of this study was to compare incentives, costs, difficulties and benefits of Chinese and Mexican meat-exporting enterprises related to food safety management systems implementation. A questionnaire was applied to identify the main factors involved in HACCP implementation. Data were collected among 32 Chinese and 42 Mexican companies, and analysed using the SAS package. The implementation of the HACCP system was filled out in all exporting meat industries. The results indicated that the major incentives were related to improving product quality for both countries, whilst improving control of the process was the first motivation in the Chinese industry and access to new foreign markets was the first motivation in the Mexican one. In addition, both countries' industries reported that staff training was the most important implementing cost, while product testing was the major operating cost. The difficulties found during HACCP implementation and operation activities were associated with availability of personnel for other tasks for China and costs of certification for Mexico. The reported benefits were relevant for the two countries, due to the ability to reduce microbial counts and increased access to foreign and domestic markets. A better understanding of the costs and benefits associated with HACCP systems could be helpful and is necessary in every segment of the food chain in every sector of domestic and international markets in order to assure food quality and safety.     

Effectiveness and performance of HACCP-based programs

Since the early 1990’s, HACCP-based programs are being implemented as a means of preventing food hazards in fish and seafood products. From an engineering perspective, a system designed to control a manufacturing process is expected to result in final product that consistently meet requirements. Although audits are used to verify program implementation, there is a need for some product monitoring to measure the effectiveness and performance of the control systems. This paper discusses the need to monitor final product in seafood HACCP-based programs to measure effectiveness from a systems approach. Information time series of audits and inspections conducted are shown to be more indicative of program performance than snapshot inspections of the final product.     

Implementation of HACCP in food businesses: the way ahead

Food-borne diseases constitute an important public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Although their health and economic aspects are often obscured by insufficiency of data, available evidence on incidence and associated costs of medical care indicates that they are a major cause of morbidity, and a drain on resources. A joint WHO/FAO expert committee on food safety asserts that illness due to contaminated food is probably the most widespread health problem in the contemporary world, and an important cause of reduced economic productivity. Given the inadequacies of traditional approaches to food safety control, viz. inspection and end-product testing, there is a need to apply such other strategy of proven effectiveness as the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) system which has been described as the most viable means for the prevention of food-borne diseases yet devised. While there is an extensive literature suggesting the effectiveness of HACCP in preventing food-borne diseases, food operators have yet to embrace it with the anticipated enthusiasm. This paper examines factors that are likely to hinder wider acceptance and practical implementation of HACCP in food operations and discusses measures to overcome them. It is concluded that HACCP training and education of food operators and food regulatory officials is a conditio sine qua non for the realization of the fullest benefits of the strategy.     

HACCP system – hazard analysis and assessment,based on ISO 22000:2005 methodology

Food Safety is a fundamental public health concern, and achieving a safe supply poses major challenges for organisations involved in the food chain. A vide number of food borne hazards, both familiar and new, pose risks to health and obstructions to international trade in foods. These hazards must be properly analysed, assessed and managed to meet growing and increasingly complex sets of global food chain. Proper implementation of food hygiene principles across the food chain in conjunction with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System will ensure food safety. To achieve this, a procedure for hazard analysis and assessment based on ISO 22000:2005 methodology has been developed. The hazard assessment, selection and assessment of control measures, Operational prerequisite programme Plan and HACCP Plan have been summarized in comprehensive tables.     

Application of hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP) system to vacuum-packed sauced pork in Chinese food corporations

Our study aims to establish an HACCP system which was implemented for the quality assurance of vacuum-packed sauced pork processing in Chinese food corporations. After identified hazards, the critical control points were defined using a decision tree. In addition, the vacuum-packed sauced pork products, manufactured by three corporations, were detected for chemical and microbial contaminants before and after the implementation of the HACCP system, respectively. According to the national food hygiene standards accepted by PR China, for nitrite, aerobic plate count and coliforms, the percentage of products obtained before vs. after the implementation of HACCP satisfying the standards was 86.2% vs. 100%, 71.3% vs. 96.4% and 71.3% vs. 95.5%, respectively. In conclusion, the contaminants of vacuum-packed sauced pork can be reduced or eliminated if an HACCP system is applied effectively.