How many steps are generally included in a HACCP plan?

A Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan typically includes seven steps. These steps provide a systematic approach to identifying and managing food safety hazards. Each step is crucial for ensuring that food products are safe for consumption and includes the following:

1. Conduct a hazard analysis.

2. Determine critical control points (CCPs).

3. Establish critical limits for each CCP.

4. Establish monitoring procedures for each CCP.

5. Establish corrective actions for when monitoring indicates that a critical limit has not been met.

6. Establish verification procedures to confirm that the HACCP system is working effectively.

7. Establish recordkeeping and documentation procedures.

Each of these steps plays a vital role in controlling food safety risks, reflecting the intent of the HACCP framework to prevent, eliminate, or reduce hazards to acceptable levels. Understanding these seven components is essential for anyone involved in food safety and sanitation practices.