HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points. It’s a management system for food safety that analyzes for and controls biological, chemical, and physical hazards. Whether it’s raw material production, procurement, handling, or manufacturing, HACCP keeps the distribution and consumption of the food product safe at every step.
What does it mean to reach HACCP certification?
What Is HACCP Certification?
HACCP certification is an international standard defining the requirements for effective control of food safety. It’s an evidence-based approach that can benefit a business when it’s time for inspections by regulatory authorities or stakeholders.
Gaining certification means undergoing an audit or assessment of HACCP policies and procedures by a reputable certification provider. The audit could be one to five days, depending on the scope. (Earning a complete certification could take anywhere between one to 12 months).
An audit may occur in two stages: a document review (which can take place remotely) and an onsite review. These can include interviewing relevant staff members to ascertain their level of understanding. If the auditor identifies problems, a follow-up may also be required.
Once the audit is complete, the auditor will document any non-conformances they observe. The business will have a specified amount of time to correct these issues, which the auditor and certification body will review the evidence. If it’s suitably performed, the company will receive their HACCP certificate.
The Seven Principles Of HACCP Certification
When developing a HACCP plan for your business that will pass the audit, you must go by the seven guiding principles:
- Conduct hazard analysis of biological, chemical or physical food hazards
- Critical control points
- Critical control limits; for example, minimum cooking temperature and time
- Monitor and control critical control points
- Corrective actions
- Procedures for verification to confirm that the HACCP system is working effectively
- Documentation and record-keeping
Earning HACCP certification can cost roughly $10,000 per year, depending on the scope of the system and the audit criteria. But by developing a HACCP-based system, you will put your business in the best position for food safety success. It will prevent mishaps that would cost you (and your reputation) much more than the money you’ve spent on certification!
How Long Is HACCP Certification Valid?
Most standards generally have an expiry date of 12 months, which depends on the result and grading of the audit. The HACCP certificate will stay valid for a time chosen by the third-party certification body. However, if your business breaches any of the regulatory requirements, the HACCP certificate can be revoked at any time.
The Benefits Of HACCP Certification
Reaching certification for HACCP demonstrates to customers and stakeholders your commitment to producing or trading in safe food. It will show a genuine commitment to food safety, which can transform your brand and provide an entry to other markets.
Quantum Food Solutions can carry out HACCP audits and help you focus on the hazards that affect food safety and hygiene. You’ll reach new possibilities in systematically identifying the hazards, setting up control limits at critical points during the production and handling processes, and keeping your food safe!