In the food industry, the words food safety and sanitation are echoed within its products. Companies enforce strict procedures in their organizations to ensure customer satisfaction and reassure their clients that the food is prepared in a safe environment to prevent transmission of foodborne pathogens.

The packaging of food may actually hold the key to determining whether these practices are being done. The colourful array of cans, packs and bottles that adorn the supermarket aisles, each of them dressed to grasp the attention of any would be shopper, ‘pick me, pick me.’ The food packaging has a plethora of information gems, including product ingredients, serving size, expiry dates, calories, preparation methods and so much more. But have we ever stopped to examine some of the packaging logos? Do we really know what they mean, are they important to us?

One such logo is HACCP- Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point—whew now that is a mouthful! Actually, when it comes to food safety and sanitation this is a big one! Food companies that carry these logos devote quite a lot in ensuring that their food products meet international stringent guidelines, which means you as the consumer can have confidence in their food processing steps.

In setting up this process, there are a number of procedural phases to follow, these start with first identifying the ‘Hazard’ or performing a Hazard Analysis- this helps to pinpoint any possible risks to any food items being prepared in the facility. Once these have been identified, then specific attention to ‘Critical Control Points’ must be implemented, and limits established for safe and acceptable levels. In establishing these levels there must be monitoring of the processes and corrective action for any processes that stray from these acceptable levels. Robust documentation and record-keeping are key to the company’s successful process.

What all of this basically means, is that companies that are HACCP certified, have vested and invested interest in ensuring that your food products meet and achieve international standards. So, you the consumer can be guaranteed that your products meet high quality.

References:
https://www.fda.gov/food/hazard-analysis-critical-control-point-haccp/haccp-principles-application-guidelines

Submitted by:
Alecia Surujlal
Registered Dietitian and Registered Nutritionist (Public Health)