Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) is an evidence-based system that addresses risks to food and ingredients. If your processing or handling facility doesn’t have a HACCP plan yet, there are five great reasons why you should receive your certification as soon as you can.
HACCP Will Help You Determine Process Gaps
The HACCP certification process begins with a GAP audit. An audit assesses an organization’s existing compliance and examines the gaps between food processors and retailers. By performing a GAP audit, food companies can reach their goal of creating a risk-based product safety management system, one that promotes best practices and facilitates constant improvement.
On top of identifying existing and necessary compliance, a GAP assessment can improve resource allocation and certification timeframes. You’ll understand your business at a more granular level, allowing you to see the risks that you would have missed otherwise and saving you money.
HACCP Gives Customers And Stakeholders Confidence In Your Food Production
Receiving HACCP certification means an organization has the processes, precautions, and planning in place to control food safety risks. This fact alone creates a lot of trust among customers and businesses with whom you do business. One of the reasons it’s trusted is because it’s reviewed by an independent third party before the organization can get the certification.
When they see that a company is HACCP certified, consumers and stakeholders can rest assured that all food handling and processing systems meet the requirements of established best practices. It can also be particularly beneficial when you are subject to inspection by regulatory authorities or stakeholders.
HACCP Increases Market Access Opportunities
In many areas, HACCP is a requirement before a food company can sell its products there. When certification is a requirement for many potential customers, organizations find they have greater access to local, provincial, and international markets once they become certified.
It’s not something to be dropped after you’ve gained market access, either. A food company can use their HACCP certification in marketing, both to consumers and B2B stakeholders, as a way of gaining more business opportunities.
HACCP Certification Enhances Reputations
One of the major risks to a food company is a loss of reputation. If there’s an incident that’s traced back to improper food handling – for example, the spread of foodborne illnesses – it’s an uphill battle to regain trust from customers and consumers. It’s a battle many companies don’t get through intact.
Getting HACCP certified means there’s a risk management framework to prevent a loss of reputation. Businesses recover any costs borne in earning HACCP because the certification can drastically reduce the likelihood of recalls, lawsuits, and penalties.
Certification Engages Employees And Ensures They Remain Vigilant
A fundamental part of the certification process is ensuring employees know their role in the HACCP plans. The training will make sure that accidents don’t happen out of ignorance, and it can improve the consistency of your safety process. You might also find that your HACCP certification moves employees to understand the importance of stringent safety standards, creating a more engaged workforce.
In the food business, customer safety and satisfaction are the most important reasons for proper handling and processing. Companies that prioritize these ideas are HACCP certified, and if your company needs help in joining these ranks, Quantum Food Solutions can help!