Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point System (HACCP) – FAQ
Introduction.
“In common with other food operations, pre-schools are subject to the provisions of the Food Hygiene Regulations…”
This is the first sentence under the Food Safety Section (Page 64) in the ‘Child Care (Pre-School) (No 2) Regulations 2006 and Explanatory Guide to Requirements and Procedures for Notification and Inspection’ issued by the Department of Health & Children and means that pre-schools are required to operate in a hygienic way, comply with food legislation and to develop a food safety management system based on the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point(HACCP).
Q.1: What is HACCP?
HACCP is a system to identify and control any hazards that could pose a danger to the preparation of safe food. “The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system (HACCP) has grown to become the universally recognized and accepted method for food safety assurance.” (Source: World Health Organisation).
Q.2: A HACCP-System shall be based on the Principles of the Codex Alimentarius. Why?
“…One of the highlights in the history of the HACCP system was in 1993 when the Codes Guidelines for the Application of HACCP system were adopted by the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission. The Codex Code on General Principles of Food Hygiene has also been revised to include recommendations for the application of the Codex HACCP Guidelines. In turn, all relevant Codes of Hygienic Practice are being revised to include HACCP Principles.”(Source: World Health Organisation)
Q.3: How do I get started?
One can get started by obtaining accurate information from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). Most information can be downloaded for free or purchased online (www.FSAI.ie). This webpage also contains several guides in relation to HACCP. TM Consultancy will assist you in implementing your HACCP-System.
- 4: Is the HACCP-System applicable to my facility and how can it be implemented?
Yes, HACCP-Systems are applicable to all food related facilities. Ulrich of TM Consultancy will travel to you and assess your facility and processes. This consultation includes a detailed hazard analysis and explains the principles and methods of HACCP. Afterwards all gathered information will be documented in your HACCP Manual.
Furthermore TM Consultancy will be in contact with you to answer questions while assuring the
correct implementation of the system. HACCP-Systems can be developed for all types of child care facilities e.g. premises with simple food storing, preparing & reheating processes up to facilities with a full kitchen involved in storing, preparing, cooking, reheating etc.
Q.5: Is TM Consultancy qualified to implement HACCP-Systems?
Yes, Ulrich of TM Consultancy is an approved Environmental Health Officers’ Association (EHOA) food trainer and has years of experience developing HACCP-Systems for the food sector (e.g. Restaurants, Hotels, Food Industry).