Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) is an internationally recognized food safety management system. It is used to identify, evaluate, and control hazards that can affect food safety. The primary focus of HACCP is on preventing problems, not just final product testing, to ensure food products are safe from start to finish.
Purpose and Benefits of HACCP
HACCP aims to minimize contamination, whether physical (such as broken glass), biological (such as bacteria and viruses), or chemical (such as pesticides). In addition to protecting workers, this system also ensures that food products are safe for consumption.
Why is HACCP Important?
- Minimizes Hazards:
HACCP helps identify and control hazards that can cause food contamination or food poisoning. - Improves Food Safety:
By implementing HACCP, companies can produce safer and more consistent food products, reducing the risk of food-borne illness. - Builds Consumer Confidence:
Consumers are increasingly concerned about food safety. Implementing HACCP demonstrates a company’s commitment to product quality and safety, which can increase consumer confidence. - Meets Regulatory Requirements:
Many countries require HACCP implementation for companies that produce and process food. HACCP is also internationally recognized by food standards bodies such as the FAO Codex Alimentarius and WHO. - Improves Efficiency:
HACCP helps companies identify and prevent food safety issues before they occur, which saves costs and improves operational efficiency.
HACCP Principles
HACCP is based on the following seven principles:
- Conduct a Hazard Analysis:
Identify all potential hazards that can occur during the production process. - Determine Critical Control Points (CCPs):
Identify points in the process where hazards can be prevented, eliminated, or reduced. - Establish Limit Criteria for Each CCP:
Establish a maximum or minimum acceptable limit for each CCP. - Establish a Monitoring System:
Continuously monitor CCPs to ensure that limit criteria are met. - Determine Corrective Actions:
Determine actions to be taken if limit criteria are exceeded. - Verify the HACCP System:
Perform periodic verification to ensure that the HACCP system is operating effectively. - Record and Document:
Keep all records and documentation related to the HACCP system.
Penerapan HACCP
HACCP can be applied to all types of businesses that produce or process food, from small businesses to large companies. This system can be adjusted to different business needs and scales.
Manfaat Sertifikat HACCP
- Food Safety Assurance:
Implementing the HACCP system makes food safety supervision more assured. - Systematic Approach:
HACCP minimizes hazards from every stage of production, from raw materials to the final product. - Risk Control:
HACCP certification helps companies prevent product recalls, plant closures, and losses due to food safety issues.
Who Issues HACCP Certificates?
The National Accreditation Committee (KAN) is tasked with providing accreditation to the Conformity Assessment Institution (LPK) and is responsible to the President of the Republic of Indonesia through the Head of BSN. HACCP audits and certifications are carried out by the HACCP System Certification Institution (LSS).
Syarat Mendapatkan Sertifikat HACCP
To obtain a HACCP certificate, a company must first implement a HACCP system. Requirements that must be met include clear identity, a photocopy of the Certificate of Establishment (SKP), a photocopy of NPWP, documentation of inspection results and corrective actions, and a photocopy of the HACCP training certificate for the person in charge of quality. Once the requirements are met, the inspector team will conduct an inspection and verification.
Thus, HACCP is an important system to ensure food safety and protect consumer health. Implementing HACCP helps companies improve product quality, build consumer trust, and meet regulatory requirements.
For example, Regal Springs Indonesia, a tilapia fish farmer, has complied with and obtained a HACCP certificate, demonstrating their commitment to food safety and high product quality.