Consultancy Services For HACCP Certification

HACCP, or "Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point," is a long-standing and widely recognized guideline standard for food safety rooted in the Codex Alimentarius. Its vast experience in the food safety sector spans many decades, instilling confidence and reassurance in its effectiveness.

In the early days of space exploration, astronauts took food in closed tins when they had to go up in space for extended periods. Still, there was a high probability for the food to become unsafe because of microbes. So what if food becomes unusable to the astronauts during their stay in space away from the food source? To ensure the food was prepared free from physical, chemical, biological, and other risks, a preventive approach was the solution to the query. Food safety experts were approached to find the structural changes and assurances in the food supply chain. Then, a codex was written, and the HACCP approach existed.

We know bacterial hazards are the most dangerous, as we can't see them, and their growth is exponential. This microbial hazard affects the shelf life of food products, so we must be cautious about hygiene conditions and food contamination during food preparation and delivery.

HACCP, the Basic Philosophy

HACCP's basic philosophy is to apply pre-requisite programs, identify all the food chain processes, and study every step for Physical, chemical, biological, allergen, or any other hazards. If any hazards are introduced at any step, that step becomes a critical control point. If we control the risk in the following process, then it's okay. But there is no further step in controlling and eliminating the hazard. In that case, that particular step becomes a critical control point (CCP) instead of a control point (CP). Each critical control point has limits that must be complied with, and records must be kept as compliance evidence.

Methodology for HACCP Consultancy Services

HACCP guideline implementation is based on seven principles,

1.Conduct Hazard Analysis
2.Identify CCP's
3.Establish critical limits for defined CCPs
4.Define monitoring of CCP's
5.Establish Corrective Actions
6.Establish procedures implementation as intended
7.Establish records as evidence

These seven HACCP principles are also the baseline for ISO 22000:2018, a comprehensive food safety management system by ISO that combines HACCP and the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.

HACCP or ISO 22000:2018, which one is better for your company?

The HACCP certificate is a robust food safety system that effectively prevents food safety from being compromised, ensuring the safety of the global food chain.

HACCP certification focuses purely on food safety, while ISO 22000 goes further. ISO 22000 also examines business processes and structures. Companies are converting their HACCP certification to ISO 22000 certification, as it is accepted at home and abroad and can be combined with other ISO standards to achieve optimum efficiency. However, it's important to note that ISO 22000 certification is more comprehensive and covers a wider range of aspects, including business processes and structures, making it a better option for companies looking for a more holistic certification.

HACCP is a guideline based on Codex Alimentarius, which is auditable by Certification Bodies and issues Non-accredited certifications. Whereas ISO 22000:2018 is an internationally recognized ISO standard for Food Safety. It combines a Quality Management system with HACCP requirements. Certification bodies audit it, and globally recognized Accredited Certifications are issued by the Certification Bodies.

ISO 22000:2018 is a comprehensive Quality Management Standard for food companies, while HACCP is a set of guidelines for food safety.

ISO 22000:2018 is a more complete standard overall and easy to integrate with other ISO standards because of similar clause structure and common terminology. It is a better option for food companies as it covers the requirements of HACCP, ISO 9001, and GMP. Its certifications are internationally recognized, and the IAF logo is on the certificates, providing a global stamp of approval.

If a food company opts to go for ISO 22000:2018 certification, then there is no need for HACCP, GMP, or ISO 9001 accreditation as all are covered already in ISO 22000:2018

Benefits of HACCP Certification:

• Build trust with consumers that you produce safe food
• Enhancement of brand recognition as a marketing tool
• Continual improvement in the food safety system
• Better compliance with legal requirements
• Access to international markets with the trust gained from HACCP certification
• Improvement in streamlining operations
• Better control of business risks
• Better employee ownership
• Employee awareness & training

If your company falls in the food supply chain, being HACCP certified is a plus for your brand recognition and internal food safety system improvement.

Food Sectors for HACCP Certification:

The following sectors or types of companies may opt to go for HACCP certification,

• Farming of animals
  o Farming of animal form (Meat/Milk/Eggs/Honey etc.)
  o Farming of Grains and pulses

• Food Manufacturing of
  o Perishable animal products
  o Perishable plant products
  o Ambient stable products

• Animal feed production (Feed/pet food)
• Catering companies
• Distribution companies
• Food transport and storage companies
• Food packaging companies
• Food equipment manufacturing companies
• Companies producing food-grade chemicals

HACCP Certification Cost:

The cost of HACCP certification varies depending on several factors, including the type of business, the size of the operation, and the specific HACCP certification body.

Qdot's top professional HACCP consultants, with their extensive knowledge and experience, provide quality HACCP consulting services. They will guide you through the entire HACCP certificate process, from the initial to the final stage, until the certification is complete. Qdot offers quality HACCP consulting services in the UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia (KSA), Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, the USA, and the UK.