KEBS Certification Body provides certification services based on SANS 10330 standard for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP).
SANS 10330 standard specifies the requirements for the development, establishment, implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of a food safety system based on prerequisite programmes and the principles of HACCP.
The HACCP system, which is science based and systematic, identifies specific hazards and measures for their control to ensure the safety of food. HACCP is a tool to assess hazards and establish control systems that focus on prevention rather than relying mainly on end-product testing. Any HACCP system is capable of accommodating change, such as advances in equipment design, processing procedures or technological developments.
HACCP can be applied throughout the food chain from primary production to final consumption and its implementation should be guided by scientific evidence of risks to human health. As well as enhancing food safety, implementation of HACCP can provide other significant benefits. In addition, the application of HACCP systems can aid inspection by regulatory authorities and promote international trade by increasing confidence in food safety.
The successful application of HACCP requires the full commitment and involvement of management and the work force. It also requires a multidisciplinary approach; this multidisciplinary approach should include, when appropriate, expertise in agronomy, veterinary health, production, microbiology, medicine, public health, food technology, environmental health, chemistry and engineering, according to the particular study. The application of HACCP is compatible with the implementation of quality management systems, such as the ISO 9000 series, and is the system of choice in the management of food safety within such systems.
While HACCP is applied to food safety, the concept can be applied to other aspects of food quality.
HACCP system is based on Codex Alimentarius International Food Standards for General Principles of Food Hygiene CXC 1.
The general principles of food hygiene aim to:
- provide principles and guidance on the application of GHPs applicable throughout the food chain to provide food that is safe and suitable for consumption;
- provide guidance on the application of HACCP principles;
- clarify the relationship between GHPs and HACCP; and
- provide the basis on which sector and product-specific codes of practice can be established.
The 7 CODEX HACCP Principles
- Principle 1: Conduct a hazard analysis
- Principle 2: Determine the critical control points (CCPs)
- Principle 3 Establish critical limit(s)
- Principle 4: Establish a system to monitor control of the CCP
- Principle 5: Establish the corrective action to be taken when monitoring indicates that a particular CCP is not under control
- Principle 6: Establish procedures for verification to confirm that the HACCP system is working effectively
- Principle 7: Establish documentation
concerning all procedures and records appropriate to these principles and their application
What is a HACCP plan?
A HACCP plan is a roadmap, specifically tailored to the food industry, and is legally required in some, but not all, countries - one example being the UK under the Food Safety Act 1990. Helping to guide businesses on food safety at every step of the manufacturing process, HACCP outlines the hazards that could potentially creep into the production and packaging stages as well as during the distribution of food products.
By conducting a thorough hazard analysis and identifying critical control points (CCPs), which are those key stages where risks can be controlled, a HACCP plan acts as a preventive shield against any lurking hazards. It establishes critical limits, monitoring procedures, and corrective actions to maintain a tight grip on food safety. Ultimately, a well-crafted HACCP plan acts as a safety net, there to protect both consumer and brand welfare and minimize the risks associated with contamination, spoilage, or any other potential mishaps.
Key benefits of HACCP implementation:
- Comprehensive hazard analysis
- Effective risk control at critical control points
- Prevention of contamination and cross-contamination
- Continuous monitoring and prompt corrective actions
- Enhanced traceability and recall readiness
- Compliance with food safety regulations
- Cultivating a culture of continuous improvement