What should be done if critical limits are not met according to HACCP guidelines?

When critical limits are not met in a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, it is essential to implement corrective actions. This step is crucial because it directly addresses the deviation from established safety parameters. Corrective actions may involve investigating the cause of the failure, re-evaluating the initial control measures, and ensuring that the food product in question does not pose a risk to consumers.

The purpose of these actions is to immediately mitigate any potential hazard that may arise from the breach of critical limits. By taking corrective actions, food safety can be preserved, and preventive measures can be reinforced to avoid similar issues in the future.

While monitoring, verification, and reassessing critical control points are also important components of HACCP, they come into play at different stages of the system. Monitoring ensures that control measures are being followed, verification confirms that the HACCP plan is effective, and reassessing critical control points is part of an ongoing improvement process. However, when critical limits are not met, the immediate response is to take corrective actions to protect food safety.