HACCP Certification is old age and popular in UAE companies in the food supply chain. State municipalities are very hotly perusing and recommending food establishments for food safety system development and implementation. Dubai Municipality is very advanced in this regard; they also have a food watch program to monitor food establishments closely. It is mandatory for food companies in Dubai to be registered on Food Watch and follow the guidelines routinely mentioned on it.
Ensuring the provision of safe food products is of top importance in UAE. Implementing Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles with the utmost commitment has become essential for food establishments. A HACCP certificate enhances food safety and compliance with international standards, enhancing customer confidence.
What is HACCP?
HACCP is a food safety guideline standard adopted under Codex Alimentarius to make certain that food does not contain physical, chemical, and or biological or other forms of hazardous matters. It was developed during the initial stages of the space program, to eliminate possible dangers to astronauts consuming ready-to-eat foods in outer space.
The HACCP approach reduces the risk of food contamination through constant evaluation of hazards and prevention process at vulnerable control points in the food chain. Non–visible and faster growing in nature bacterial risks are the most dangerous threats to food safety and shelf life.
Consequently, wiping out all points of contact to contamination and cleanliness is paramount before handling food and during the delivery process. This has been the standard system for consuming foods safely for several years in various businesses.
The Basic Philosophy of HACCP Certification in UAE
In HACCP, the 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.
Suppose we are controlling the hazard in the following process, then it is okay. But there is no further step where we can control and eliminate the danger.
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 in UAE
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, which is a comprehensive food safety management system by ISO. In fact, ISO 22000:2018 is a combination of HACCP and the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
HACCP vs. ISO 22000, which one is better for your company
HACCP is a food safety system focused on preventing food safety risks, while ISO 22000 is an international standard that extends beyond food safety to include business processes and structures. Many companies are transitioning from HACCP to ISO 22000 as it offers broader benefits, including global recognition and compatibility with other ISO standards for improved efficiency.
HACCP, based on Codex Alimentarius, is audited for non-accredited certifications. In contrast, ISO 22000:2018 integrates HACCP principles with a Quality Management System (QMS) and issues accredited, internationally recognized certifications.
ISO 22000:2018 is a comprehensive standard that encompasses HACCP, ISO 9001, and GMP requirements. Its structure and terminology align with other ISO standards, making it easier for food companies to achieve a more streamlined and internationally accepted certification.
Benefits of HACCP Certification in UAE:
- 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 fall in the food supply chain, being HACCP certified is a big plus for your brand recognition and internal food safety system improvement.
The HACCP Certification Cost in UAE
The size, kind, and scope of operations of a food industry, as well as the certification body selected, all affect the cost of HACCP certification in the United Arab Emirates. Pre-certification audits, employee training, and document preparation may result in additional expenses.
However, the investment in HACCP certification is very justified since it raises consumer confidence, guarantees adherence to food laws, and improves food safety standards. HACCP accreditation is a strategic commitment to quality and safety for any food business operating in the United Arab Emirates.
Food Sectors for HACCP Certification in UAE:
The following sectors or types of companies may opt to go for HACCP certification in the UAE,
- Farming of animals
- o Farming of animal form (Meat/Milk/Eggs/Honey etc.)
-
o Farming of Fish & Seafood
- Farming of Plants
- o Farming of plants
- 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 in UAE is a regulatory requirement in most states and serves as a fundamental step towards ensuring food safety, enhancing market competitiveness, and building consumer trust. UAE is the regional hub for business activities, and the authorities focus 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.