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HACCP 101 for the Foodservice Professional: Fundamentals, Resources & Software Solutions
As a foodservice professional, you know that foodservice safety is essential to the success of your operations. Following the principles of HACCP and creating a food safety plan can help you protect your diners (and yourself!) from consequences of an incident.
But – what is HACCP and how exactly does it work?
From the fundamentals, through to software solutions that can help support your HACCP plans – continue reading as we break down what you should know about this important food safety management system:
What does HACCP stand for?
HACCP stands for: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point.
What is HACCP?
As defined by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), “HACCP is a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling, to manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product.”
What are the benefits of HACCP?
- Better liability protection for your operations
- Improved meal quality and consistency (which will likely lead to increased diner satisfaction and even profits!)
- Boosted patient and resident safety
- Less meal and ingredient waste from spoilage
- More clarity and direction for your foodservice team
What are the 7 principles of HACCP?
- Principle 1: Hazard analysis
- Principle 2: CCP (Critical Control Points) identification
- Principle 3: Establishing critical limits
- Principle 4: Monitoring procedures
- Principle 5: Corrective actions
- Principle 6: Verification procedures
- Principle 7: Record-keeping and documentation
Read HACCP: The Food Employee Perspective by Melissa Vaccaro, MS, CHO, Food Program Specialist for the PA Department of Agriculture and Executive Board Member for the Central Atlantic States Association of Food and Drug Officials (CASA) to learn more about the 7 principles of HACCP.
HACCP training
When it comes to training yourself and your team on HACCP, there are several e-learning courses to choose from, including:
On top of training efforts, having a customizable HACCP software solution is a great way to keep your team informed, motivated and accountable to your unique HACCP procedures and goals. Click here to learn more!
HACCP certification
HACCP certification is the formal recognition that your facility complies to specified HACCP requirements. In order to become certified, you must pass an audit and/or program conducted by a licensed third-party agency such as the Food Safety Recognition Program in Canada or NSF.
The cost of training and/or certification will depend on the agency, and your specific operations.
Discover MealSuite’s HACCP Software Solution (digital templates, checklists, temperature monitoring and more)
Learn more about our HACCP HQ technology
Let us help ensure your operations meet the highest level of compliance! Our HACCP technology takes tracking paperless, complete with:
Digital HACCP Checklists
Customizable questions, answer dropdowns and corrective actions for your kitchen and tray service operations:
Delivery speed
Temperatures
Quality score (appearance, taste, aroma, etc.)
And anything else you’d like to track for your safety & quality goals!
Paperless Production
Touchscreens with all of your forecast and production data at your fingertips create an efficient operation that improves communication, reduces waste and maximizes the time of kitchen staff. Fully integrated with MealSuite®, production is driven by resident-specific needs.
Integrated Wireless Temperature Sensors (Stationary and Mobile)
Fully integrated Wireless Temperature Sensors accurately monitor your refrigeration unit temperatures and automatically generate your digital logs into the HACCP module. Sensors ensure you’re in the ‘Safe Zone’ and alert you immediately via text or email if out of range.