How many principles are there in a HACCP Plan?

A HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) Plan is foundational to ensuring food safety and focuses on preventing hazards that could compromise food safety rather than relying solely on end-product testing. The correct number of principles in a HACCP Plan is seven.

These seven principles are:

1. Conduct a hazard analysis: Identify potential hazards that could occur in the food production process.

2. Determine critical control points (CCPs): Recognize points in the process where controls can be applied to mitigate hazards.

3. Establish critical limits for each CCP: Set measurable criteria such as time and temperature that must be met to ensure the safety of the food.

4. Establish monitoring procedures: Develop methods to regularly check CCPs to ensure they remain within critical limits.

5. Establish corrective actions: Define actions that need to be taken when monitoring indicates that a CCP is not within established limits.

6. Establish verification procedures: Set up methods to confirm that the HACCP system is working effectively.

7. Establish record-keeping and documentation procedures: Create a system for documenting all procedures and actions taken to ensure accountability and traceability.

These principles are systematic steps that help identify and control food safety risks.