What does HACCP stand for?

HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point. This systematic preventive approach is widely used in the food industry to ensure food safety. The fundamental principle behind HACCP is to identify potential hazards that could pose a risk to food safety and to establish control measures at critical points within the production process. By doing this, food producers can minimize the likelihood of foodborne illnesses and ensure that food products are safe for consumption.

The term encompasses two main elements: “Hazard Analysis,” which involves identifying and assessing hazards (biological, chemical, and physical) that could occur in the food production process, and “Critical Control Point,” which refers to points in the process where controls can be applied to prevent, eliminate, or reduce food safety hazards to acceptable levels. This approach helps organizations comply with food safety regulations and standards, making it an integral part of food safety management systems globally.