The role of government agencies in assessing HACCP

Abstract

There is worldwide evaluation and reorganization of food inspection and control systems geared towards improving efficiencies, rationalizing human resources and introducing risk analysis-based approaches. The HACCP principles play a pivotal role in these preventive approaches. Their application is a responsibility of the food industry, whereas government control agencies are responsible for monitoring and assessing their proper implementation. This paper reviews some of the issues pertinent to HACCP assessment, namely its purpose, activities involved, frequency of assessment, HACCP approval/certification, qualifications and training of assessors. It is based on the experience of the author in training and assisting industry and government agencies in implementing HACCP-based quality systems, especially in developing countries, where food export has a major impact on the national economies.