Evaluation of HACCP system implementation in meat packaging industry

The purpose of this study was to determine food safety practices and procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system and to suggest more effective method of HACCP implementation in meat packaging industry in Korea. We used the non-compliance rate of each evaluation item to compare the weak points of prerequisite requirements and HACCP. The prerequisite items related to facility, equipment, and tools showed inadequate level of requirements or unsanitary conditions for proper HACCP operation. A lack of understanding of sanitation standard operation procedures was identified as a fundamental barrier to HACCP implementation. High rate of non-compliance in HACCP items compared to prerequisite requirements signify that small businesses have potential difficulties of applying HACCP due to lack of technical expertise, financial resources for prerequisite requirements, and available personnel to prepare and operate HACCP plan. Also we suggest to revise and minimize current critical control points (CCPs). Time-temperature control of cold-storage rooms for carcasses and final products could be performed by control points of prerequisite requirements. As the occurrence frequency getting lower, metal detector should be replaced by intensified training of sanitary handling and safety procedure. This will be more effective and preventive measures against physical contaminants including metal particles. In conclusion, control point of prerequisite requirement may replace CCP in the plant with simple processing line and no heating process such as meat packaging industry.

식육포장처리업의 HACCP 운용실태 분석