What is the verification step of a HACCP plan concerned with?

The verification step of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan is primarily focused on the review and evaluation of the implemented HACCP plan. This step is essential in ensuring that the plan is functioning effectively and meeting its intended goals of food safety. Verification involves checking that the monitoring procedures are being followed correctly and that the critical control points (CCPs) are effectively controlling the hazards identified.

During this stage, the organization will evaluate the data collected during monitoring, assess whether the critical limits are being met, and confirm that corrective actions are being taken when necessary. This ongoing evaluation helps to ensure that the food safety management system is robust and capable of addressing potential food safety issues as they arise.

While training staff on HACCP procedures is vital for the successful implementation of the plan, it is not the focus of the verification step. Similarly, creating a new HACCP plan or documenting food purchases does not relate to the verification of the existing procedures and checks in place, which is central to this step in the HACCP process.