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"Building Consumer Confidence in Primary Agricultural Products "
-:|:- What is HACCP? -:|:-
-:|:- The HACCP Format -:|:-
-:|:- Why Do We Need Producer Level HACCP Plans? -:|:-
-:|:- HACCP – A Process Risk Mangement Tool -:|:-
-:|:- HACCP Preparation -:|:-
-:|:- Benefits of HACCP -:|:-
HACCP is an acronym that stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points. It is a food safety program that analyzes and manages food production risks
The HACCP Program is comprised of three integrated parts. The HACCP Plan, and The Pre-requisite Programs and the Standard Operating Procedures. The HACCP plan and its associated pre-requisite programs are subject to internal and independent audits/validations to verify the effectiveness of the elements of the program.
Why Do We Need Producer Level HACCP Plans?
Food safety has emerged as one of the consumers’ top concerns. A 2001 Angus Reid poll indicated that overall food safety concerns had increased to 74% among Canadians. This sensitivity to the safety level of food in Canada has resulted from real and perceived food problems.
Many processors are now requiring producers to have HACCP Plans in order to secure contracts for growing, delivering, and selling specific commodities.
Consumers are demanding that food safety issues are a top priority for all processors. Consumers expect that processors can trace input products back to the original farm source
As consumer expectations have changed, so have those of food marketers, retailers and restaurants to the heightened level of concern. Food safety has become a priority for governments and the agriculture industry in Canada, and around the world
There is a broader movement afoot to have every commodity that is sold for commercial use to have a HACCP or HACCP-Based program
HACCP – A Process Risk Mangement Tool
Having a HACCP program does not guarantee that all risks are eliminated, but it does address and minimize all identified potential production risks and liabilities
Preparing for a Producer-Level HACCP plan begins with an in-depth analysis of the producer’s crops and livestock operations, and environmental practices.
Records from previous years are required to assist in the analysis and potential risk assessment for the producers’ current and planned operations
No financial records are required or divulged during the entire HACCP Plan. HACCP is a process risk management tool Indirectly, HACCP can function as a financial/management risk tool by highlighting ineffective or inefficient practices
Preparation begins with careful attention given to shipping and receiving all materials
Preparation also includes analysis of commodity storage; transportation; equipment maintenance, cleaning and calibration; and building/structure maintenance, location and purpose
Process risk evaluation encompasses all production processes from pre-seeding to post harvest operations, or from breeding to slaughter
HACCP Preparation - Developing Pre-requisite Programs and Standard Operating Procedures.
Pre-requisite programs are universal steps or procedures that control the operational conditions for favorable production of safe commodities
There are 10 essential pre-requisite programs that are integral to support the HACCP Plan: Transportation; Crop Description/Soil Quality; Cleaning; Equipment Performance and Maintenance;Glass; Allergen; Environmental; Emergency Recall, Return Product and the Livestock Pre-requisite Program;
- Unique to each operation and accommodates different situations and time.
- Flexibility of time frames for accomplishing stated goals and standards.
- Tracks products in all aspects of the producer’s operations.
- Identifies production inadequacies and improves operational efficiencies
- Limits financial, legal and environmental liabilities
- Promotes good stewardship and industry leading best practices
- Improves market access for identity preserved (IP) or branded products
- Develops new relationships between processors and producers
- Promotes a safe superior product with assured quality and standards
- Permits internal and independent verification and audit
- HACCP has been an internationally recognized safety system for over 50 years
- HACCP conforms to all current and proposed product traceability legislation
- HACCP plans help to identify risks in process and in commodity selection. When risks have been identified then procedures can be implemented that save both time and money. Who couldn't use more of both of these?
- A HACCP plan also provide you with records that are very useful when looking at liability issues.
- Many processors are now requiring HACCP plans in order to sell product and secure lucrative contracts for some commodities.
Why wait? Begin now.
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