HACCP

"Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points" (HACCP) is a risk management tool specifically designed for the food industry in order to assure food safety. It is a structured preventive approach to food safety to optimise efforts to provide the consumer with safe food.

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HACCP is a fundamental standard that enables any company to identify relevant risks and to manage them efficiently, both from a food safety and cost effectiveness point of view.

Certification to this standard changes your company's approach from retroactive quality testing to a preventive way of thinking. It provides a systematic approach covering all aspects of the food chain, from purchasing raw materials to consumer consumption of the end product – including restaurants, catering, storage, and transportation.

The HACCP methodology is mandatory in several countries, including the EU and the USA. Independent certification demonstrates your commitment to fulfill legal requirements, achieving effective results in the framework of a sound company management system.

What is the HACCP method?
In the framework of "risk analysis" – the most updated methodology applied all over the world to face risks in any field – a fundamental step is “risk management” – this is the process of weighing policy alternatives to selecting appropriate prevention and control options. HACCP is a risk management tool, specifically designed for the food sector.

Combine with a management system
It is recommended that you combine your food safety system with a quality management system, e.g. ISO 9001 compliant. An efficient quality management system ensures that everyone is clear about who is responsible for doing what, when, how, why, and where. When combining the food safety elements with the management system elements, you get an overall food safety management system.

Where do I go from here?
For third party certification, you need to implement an effective food safety management system complying with the requirements of the standards. The first step is to get on the road to certification.