Hazard analysis critical control point: A review

Abstract

Hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) is a food process control system developed in the early 1970s to ensure the safety of foods for the United States space program. Since the 1970s HACCP has evolved into a recognized means to assure the safety of foods throughout the food industry both within the United States and elsewhere. Based on the principle of prevention rather than detection, HACCP has been extensively and successfully used in the low‐acid canned food industry since the early 1970s. Since that time, HACCP has achieved greater prominence with a refinement of the HACCP principles and the application of HACCP to other processes and products. The purpose of this review is to trace the evolution of HACCP to its present‐day applications in the food industry and discuss its importance for the production of a safer food supply.