MEDICAL EVALUATION OF THE POTENTIAL BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL DANGERS IN HIGH-RISK FOODS

Abstract

Purpose: The current European legislation assigned the responsibility for food safety to the food producers and traders. In this aspect, the aim of the survey was to provide critical analysis of the functioning of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems in the production of foods, presenting certain risks of specific public health hazards - foodborne toxicoinfections, infections and intoxications, for chemical contamination and additives, etc. The survey covered HACCP-systems and prerequisite programmes of 4 enterprises manufacturing confectionery products, ready-to-serve foods, pasteurized egg products, sterilized canned foods. Material/methods: Monitoring and critical analysis of the In-plant control system and HACCP of four enterprises for the production of: confectionery products, ready-to-serve-dishes in public catering, sterilized canned foods, pasteurized egg semi-ready products Results: The current experience has revealed major defects in hazard analysis, adequacy of critical points, corrective actions and verification procedures. The article contains recommendations and suggestions for improving the work of manufacturers and harmonizing relationships with regulatory authorities in the event of inconsistencies in production. Conclusions: The authors concluded that a comprehensive medical evaluation of the HACCP systems was necessary for the prevention of foodborne diseases.