Global Standards Assurance (GSA)
HACCP - Your Pathway to Quality Assurance, Minimizing Risks, and
Safeguarding Consumer Trust.
WHAT IS HACCP
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a science-based approach to food safety, designed to prevent, identify, and manage potential hazards in food production. Originating from NASA’s space program, HACCP has become a globally recognized methodology widely adopted in the food industry. It involves analysing the entire production process, identifying critical control points (CCPs), implementing control measures, and establishing monitoring procedures to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
HACCP’s strength lies in its proactive nature, prioritising hazard prevention throughout food production rather than reacting to issues after they occur. By systematically managing risks at every stage, from raw materials to final products, HACCP ensures the production of safe, high-quality food, enhancing the reputation and trust of manufacturers and suppliers in the marketplace.
WHAT IS HACCP CERTIFICATION
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification is a recognition awarded to businesses in the food industry that have implemented and maintained a HACCP system. The HACCP system is a comprehensive approach to food safety that identifies and analyses potential hazards in the production process, with a focus on prevention and control.
To obtain HACCP certification, a company typically undergoes an assessment by a certification body or a third-party auditor. This evaluation involves a thorough examination of the company’s adherence to HACCP principles, including hazard analysis, determination of critical control points, setting critical limits, implementing monitoring procedures, establishing corrective actions, conducting verification processes, and maintaining proper record-keeping.
BENEFITS OF HACCP CERTIFICATION
Enhanced Food Safety
HACCP focuses on preventing and controlling hazards in the food production process, leading to improved food safety. Certification demonstrates a commitment to producing safe and high-quality food products.
Regulatory Compliance
Many regulatory authorities and food safety standards require businesses in the food industry to implement HACCP. Certification ensures compliance with these regulations and standards, reducing the risk of legal issues and non-compliance penalties.
Consumer Trust and Confidence
Displaying the HACCP certification symbol on products instills confidence in consumers. It signals that the company follows rigorous food safety protocols, contributing to increased trust and brand reputation.
Risk Reduction
By systematically identifying and addressing potential hazards, HACCP helps reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and product recalls. This can save a company from significant financial losses and damage to its reputation.
Supply Chain Assurance
HACCP certification instills confidence in the safety and quality of products, benefiting not only the immediate business but also fostering trust and resilience throughout the entire supply chain.
Crisis Management Preparedness
Through the establishment of critical control points and corrective actions, HACCP prepares businesses to respond effectively to potential crises or deviations in the food production process, minimising the impact of unforeseen events.
HACCP CERTIFICATION PROCESS
Initiation and Understanding
Begin by understanding the principles of HACCP and securing commitment from top management. Establish a basic understanding of the seven principles of HACCP and ensure leadership support for the implementation.
Team Formation and Expertise
Form a dedicated team with expertise in relevant areas such as production, quality control, and food safety. This team will be responsible for guiding the implementation process.
Hazard Analysis
Identify potential hazards associated with the food production process. Assess the severity and likelihood of each hazard to prioritize control measures effectively.
Critical Control Points (CCPs) and Limits
Determine critical control points in the production process where control measures are crucial. Establish specific criteria and limits (critical limits) for each CCP to ensure effective hazard control.
Monitoring, Corrective Actions, and Verification
Develop procedures to monitor each CCP according to established critical limits. Define corrective actions to be taken if monitoring indicates a CCP is not under control. Regularly verify and validate the HACCP plan to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
Certification and Continuous Improvement
Engage a certification body or third-party auditor to assess HACCP system compliance. Based on the audit findings, obtain HACCP certification. Foster a culture of continuous improvement by learning from experiences and periodically reassessing and refining the HACCP system.
HOW CAN WE SUPPORT
Providing Education and Guidance:
We offer clear and comprehensive information on HACCP standards and requirements. We provide guidance documents and resources to assist organis ations in understanding and meeting these criteria effectively.
Training and Consultation Services:
We develop tailored training programs to educate organisations on the principles of HACCP. Additionally, our training programs are designed to assess the readiness of organisations for HACCP certification, guiding them through the process of plan development and implementation.
Efficient Certification Process Support:
We assist organisations in the preparation of necessary documentation. Our goal is to ensure that the certification process is efficient and that organisations are well-prepared to meet HACCP standards.
Continuous Improvement and Ongoing Support:
Beyond certification, we provide ongoing feedback to support to businesses in their continuous improvement efforts. Leveraging technology, we streamline processes, ensuring open communication channels and offering the necessary support for sustained compliance.
WHY GLOBAL STANDARDS ASSURANCE ( GSA)
Competitive Pricing
We understand the financial considerations for businesses, especially small businesses. We offer competitive pricing for our certification services, ensuring that you receive exceptional value for your investment. Our pricing structure is designed to be cost-effective and suitable for organisations of various sizes and budgets.
Marketing and Branding Support
We provide marketing and branding support to small businesses by highlighting their HACCP certification on our website, marketing materials, and social media platforms. This increased visibility helps them attract customers who prioritize sustainability.
Tailored Solutions
We understand that each business has unique needs and challenges. We offer tailored certification solutions to meet your specific requirements, ensuring that the certification process is aligned with your resources and objectives. Our flexible approach ensures a customized experience that suits your organisation's size, industry, and goals.
Value-Added Services
Beyond certification, we offer a range of value-added services to support your environmental management efforts. These may include training programs, workshops, guidance on best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives. We aim to be your long-term partner in enhancing your environmental performance and achieving sustainability goals.
Expert Support and Guidance
Switching to us provides small businesses with access to our experienced team of auditors and experts who will guide you through the certification process. We offer personalised support, answering their questions and providing assistance at every step
Simplified Process
Our certification process is designed to be streamlined and efficient, minimising disruption to your organisation's operations. We provide clear guidance on the requirements and steps involved, making the certification process straightforward and manageable for your team.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is a systematic approach to food safety that identifies, evaluates, and controls hazards throughout the production process, ensuring safe food for consumers.
The seven principles of HACCP involve hazard analysis, determination of critical control points, establishing critical limits, monitoring, corrective actions, verification, and record-keeping, collectively ensuring food safety.
While not mandatory for all, HACCP certification is often required by regulatory authorities and is crucial for any food business aiming to demonstrate a commitment to food safety and quality.
The process involves forming a HACCP team, conducting a hazard analysis, implementing control measures, and undergoing a third-party audit. The duration varies but generally takes a few months.
Recertification is typically required annually, and ongoing obligations include regular internal audits, monitoring, and updating the HACCP plan to address changes in processes or regulations.
Training is vital for successful HACCP implementation. Staff can receive HACCP training through workshops, online courses, or by hiring certified trainers.
Yes, HACCP is applicable to all food products, regardless of their type or stage in production, ensuring a systematic approach to hazard control.
While both focus on food safety, HACCP is specific to hazards in the production process, while ISO 22000 is a broader food safety management system covering the entire food chain