Understanding HACCP (You Only Need to Know So Much)
14 Jun 2024
Understanding HACCP (You Only Need to Know So Much!)
Information overload is a major issue when it comes to HACCP training and certification.
Many HACCP certification training courses attempt to cover every conceivable aspect of HACCP, which can overwhelm the average person. Instead, effective training should focus on what each individual needs to know for their role.
Trust vs. Understanding: HACCP Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Our approach to HACCP and food safety training is to ensure every team member gains a solid grasp of the information relevant to their specific responsibilities—nothing more, nothing less.
Who Needs to Know What?
In most food processing plants, these key roles require some level of HACCP training:
HACCP Team Members
HACCP Team Leader
Operators
Upper Management
Each group must understand HACCP as it applies to their duties, and this is where tailored HACCP team training or HACCP online courses can make all the difference.
What Specific HACCP Knowledge Does Each Team Member Need?
HACCP Team Members
Team members must be able to:
Describe the product being processed.
Identify hazards related to the product.
Conduct a hazard/risk analysis.
Use a decision tree to separate Control Points (CPs) from Critical Control Points (CCPs).
Build a master plan of CPs and CCPs.
These skills are typically covered in HACCP Certification Courses or Internal Auditor Training.
HACCP Team Leader
The leader ensures that the HACCP plan is implemented effectively. In addition to mastering the five tasks above, the team leader must manage their team effectively. Many companies opt for a competency based approach to training members of the HACCP team to support leaders in their role. While the leader must be an expert and requires Accredited HACCP Training, other members of the team may require Basic HACCP Training or Refresher HACCP Training.
Operators
Plant operators need to understand the specific rules and tasks relevant to their job. For example, operators responsible for cleaning, traceability, or monitoring CCPs should know their respective procedures. GMP and HACCP training or HACCP refresher training online can help ensure operators stay updated on these processes.
Upper Management
Management must oversee operations to ensure food safety targets are met. They also need to respond to crises and ensure accountability. While they don’t need to know every detail of a HACCP plan, they must understand the big picture for their industry. For instance, in a pita bakery, management should understand how food safety applies to baking pita bread—not canning mushrooms.
‘HACCP training Canada’ options, like HACCP certification training courses, can provide management with the high-level knowledge they need.
Other Key Players in HACCP
Some individuals do need comprehensive knowledge of HACCP:
Accredited HACCP Specialists: These experts help develop HACCP plans and often benefit from HACCP auditor training or HACCP trainer certification.
External Auditors: They ensure processors comply with their HACCP plans and may require HACCP internal audit training or advanced HACCP and GMP training.
Simplifying HACCP
The truth is, most HACCP team training should focus on simplifying processes. Not everyone needs to be able to build a HACCP Plan—they only need to understand the parts of the plan relevant to their role.
If your team is struggling with HACCP, we can help. We offer courses tailored to different needs, from our Basics of HACCP course to Accredited HACCP Training for those requiring certification.
Looking for a HACCP certification training course in Canada?
Need HACCP refresher training online or HACCP online training Canada options?
We’re here to provide solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our HACCP consultancy, HACCP certification courses, or online food safety training.
