40-5 |
Introducing HACCP to the small and medium size food processing firm |
D. M. THOMPSON, The HACCP - Way Consultations, 307 Calle Pueblo, San Clemente, CA 92672-2124 HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) is methodology to improve food safety of food processing operations. A complete understanding of HACCP principles is required to establish a HACCP program. The required understanding of HACCP can only be obtained through formal training because of the unique jargon and the recent introduction of HACCP to Food Safety methodology. Small and medium size companies face two problems in obtaining formal HACCP training: the availability of discretionary funds and the availability of operating personnel from their production duties for training. Outsourcing formal training to a consultant can greatly mitigate these constraints by bringing flexibility to the training task, i.e., training can be conducted on-site at the clients' discretion at a lower cost to the client. Lower cost is results because the company is not required to send essential employees to a formal training center at given times located only in few large cities. Training is also conducted with the company operations in mind, thus relieving the firm of trial and error loss of time when an employee returns from a generic presentation of HACCP principles given a large training centers and applies the principles to the company operation. Interest and participation in the training sessions is also obtained. The primary HACCP training document is the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Principles and Application Guidelines promulgated by the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods for food processors not under HACCP regulation. A very important part of training is the use of video presentations on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's) and Standard Sanitation Operating Procedures (SSOP's) which are part of a proper HACCP program. Mr. Thompson's presentation will highlight how in-house HACCP training is targeted and delivered for specific industries.
Session 40, The wisdom of outsourcing and the virtual office in the new millennium (Part 1)
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