HACCP certification is a well-established and commonly used certification in food supply chain companies in the UAE. Government municipalities are keen to follow the recommendation to develop and implement a food safety management system in food establishments. Dubai Municipality is particularly advanced in this regard; they also have a "Food Control" program to monitor food establishments closely. It is essential for food companies in Dubai to be registered in the "Food Control" program and follow the outlined guidelines periodically.
Ensuring the provision of safe food products is crucial in the UAE. Applying the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) with full compliance has become a vital component for food establishments. HACCP certification enhances food safety and ensures compliance with international standards, increasing customer confidence.
What is HACCP?
HACCP is a food safety guideline standard adopted by "Codex Alimentarius" to ensure that food does not contain hazardous materials such as physical, chemical, biological contaminants or others. It was developed in the early stages of the space program to eliminate potential hazards for astronauts consuming ready-to-eat food in space.
The HACCP methodology reduces the risk of food contamination by continuously assessing risks and applying preventive actions at weak points in the food supply chain. Invisible bacterial risks, which grow rapidly, are the greatest threats to food safety and shelf-life.
Therefore, eliminating all points of contact with contamination and ensuring cleanliness is critical before handling food and during the delivery process. This has been the standard system for safe food consumption for several years in many businesses.
Core Philosophy of HACCP Certification in the UAE
The core philosophy of HACCP lies in applying preventive programs, identifying all food chain processes, and studying each step to ensure the presence of any physical, chemical, biological, contaminated, or other hazards. If any hazards are presented at any step, that step becomes a critical control point.
If we are controlling the hazards in the next process, that’s good. But if there’s another step we cannot control or eliminate the hazard, it becomes a Critical Control Point (CCP) instead of a normal Control Point (CP). Each CCP has limits that must be complied with, and records must be kept as evidence of compliance.
HACCP Consultancy Methodology in the UAE
The HACCP guidelines are implemented based on seven principles:
- Conducting a hazard analysis
- Identifying critical control points (CCP)
- Establishing critical limits for identified points
- Defining monitoring procedures for CCP
- Establishing corrective actions
- Establishing verification procedures
- Establishing record-keeping systems as evidence
These seven principles of HACCP are also the basis for ISO 22000:2018, which is ISO's comprehensive food safety management system. In fact, ISO 22000:2018 is a combination of HACCP and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
HACCP vs ISO 22000, Which Is Better for Your Business?
HACCP is a food safety system that focuses on preventing food safety hazards, while ISO 22000 is an international standard that goes beyond food safety to include business processes and structures. Many companies transition from HACCP to ISO 22000 because it offers broader benefits, including global recognition and alignment with other ISO standards to improve efficiency.
HACCP, which is based on "Codex Alimentarius", is audited by non-accredited certification bodies. In contrast, ISO 22000:2018 combines HACCP principles with a quality management system (QMS) and issues internationally accredited certificates.
ISO 22000:2018 is a comprehensive standard that includes the requirements of HACCP, ISO 9001, and GMP. Its structure and terminology align with other ISO standards, making it easier for food companies to obtain a smoother, globally recognized certification.
Benefits of HACCP Certification in the UAE:
- Building trust with consumers that you are producing safe food
- Enhancing brand excellence as a marketing tool
- Ongoing improvement of the food safety management system
- Achieving compliance with legal requirements
- Accessing international markets with confidence gained from HACCP certification
- Simplifying operational processes
- Improving risk management controls
- Enhancing employee ownership
- Raising awareness and training for employees
If your company is part of the food supply chain, obtaining HACCP certification is a significant advantage to boost brand recognition and improve internal food safety systems.
Cost of HACCP Certification in the UAE
The cost of HACCP certification in the UAE depends on the size, type, and scope of food industry operations, as well as the certification body chosen. Pre-certification audits, employee training, and document preparation may incur additional costs.
However, investing in HACCP certification is highly justified as it increases consumer trust, ensures compliance with food laws, and improves food safety standards. HACCP certification is a strategic commitment to quality and safety for any food business operating in the UAE.
Food Sectors for HACCP Certification in the UAE:
The following sectors or types of businesses may choose to obtain HACCP certification in the UAE:
- Animal Farming
- o Animal farming (meat/milk/eggs/honey, etc.)
- o Fish and seafood farming
- Plant Farming
- o Plant farming
- o Grain and legume farming
- Food Manufacturing
- o Perishable animal products
- o Perishable plant products
- o Shelf-stable products
- Animal Feed Production (feed/pet food)
- Catering Companies
- Distribution Companies
- Food Transport and Storage Companies
- Food Packaging Companies
- Food Equipment Manufacturing Companies
- Food Chemical Manufacturing Companies
HACCP certification in the UAE is a regulatory requirement in most jurisdictions and is considered a critical step for ensuring food safety, enhancing market competitiveness, and building consumer trust. The UAE is a regional business hub, with authorities focused on providing safe food products and food safety systems in food establishments.
FAQ's
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification is a systematic approach to ensuring food safety. For companies in the UAE, it is essential as it guarantees that the food produced is safe for consumption, fosters consumer trust, and ensures compliance with legal requirements.
The cost of HACCP Certification in the UAE varies based on the size of the company and its current level of compliance. To obtain an accurate cost estimate for your business, it is best to consult with a certifying organization.
To obtain HACCP Certification, companies in the UAE must follow these steps:
- Conduct a hazard analysis.
- Identify critical control points (CCPs).
- Establish procedures to control the CCPs.
- Monitor the control points.
- Implement corrective actions when necessary.
- Verify the effectiveness of the system.
- Maintain thorough records.
Consultants can assist in navigating these steps and preparing for the HACCP audit.
To prepare for a HACCP audit, ensure that all policies and documentation are current. Employees should be well-trained and knowledgeable. Conducting a mock audit can help identify and resolve potential issues before the official audit.
Achieving HACCP Certification helps UAE companies demonstrate that their food products are safe. It can open up new markets, build customer confidence, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, it helps mitigate the risk of food safety issues and recalls.