Food Safety Plans and HACCP: A Comprehensive Guide for British Columbia Food Safe

Introduction

Food safety is a critical aspect of public health. In British Columbia, the Food Premises Regulation requires food service establishments to have a food safety plan in place. This article will guide you through the process of creating a food safety plan based on the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, as per the BC Foodsafe guidelines.

What is HACCP?

The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system is a preventive approach to food safety. It identifies physical, chemical, and biological hazards in food production processes that can cause the finished product to be unsafe. Measures are put in place to reduce these risks to a safe level.

Why is HACCP important?

Implementing HACCP is important because it prioritizes and controls potential hazards in food production. By controlling major food risks, such as microbiological, chemical, and physical contaminants, the industry can better assure consumers that its products are as safe as good science and technology allows.

How to Implement a Food Safety Plan Based on HACCP in BC

In British Columbia, food service establishments are required to develop, maintain, and follow a Food Safety Plan that is based on the principles of HACCP. Here are the steps to create a Food Safety Plan:

1. Identify the food items or categories of food items to which the plan applies.
2. Identify the hazards that may result in the food becoming unsafe.
3. Identify the control measures that you will implement to prevent, eliminate, or reduce to an acceptable level the hazards that you have identified.
4. Monitor the control measures to ensure they are effective and working as intended.
5. Maintain records of the information used to identify the hazards and control measures, and the monitoring of the control measures.

Conclusion

Food safety is everyone’s responsibility. By understanding and implementing a food safety plans and HACCP, food service establishments in British Columbia can ensure they are doing their part to protect public health