What is one main purpose of HACCP in food safety?

The main purpose of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) in food safety is to identify hazards and guide food service procedures. HACCP is a systematic approach used in the food industry to ensure safety during food processing and preparation. It involves identifying potential biological, chemical, and physical hazards that could contaminate food, assessing the risks associated with those hazards, and defining critical control points where potential risks can be prevented, eliminated, or reduced to acceptable levels. This structured framework is essential for establishing safe food handling practices and ensures that food service operations maintain high standards of food safety, thus protecting public health.

The focus of HACCP is not on increasing food production rates, marketing strategies, or simplifying storage requirements, even though those aspects are significant in operability and business efficiency. The core of HACCP lies in its preventive measures and rigorous monitoring, setting it apart as a critical component in managing food safety risks.