Most company that start Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point program are pleasantly surprised to find many of the control programs already in place can, with modification, be utilize directly. However, there are major differences between a conventional quality assurance (QA) system and HACCP as it is now conceived in term of seven principles.
Quality Assurance. Most Quality Assurance programs are designed to discover rather than prevent problems. Little detailed information is collected on line to be used fro analysis. Verification procedures the system are not generally used other than testing the end product, and very few QA system include detailed instructions on what to do if product is out f specifications.
HACCP. HACCP systems are based on the prevention of problems rather than discovery after the fact. Each comprises a highly structured and disciplined approach to control, which depends on accurate information and data collection. Appropriate data and other information that the QA programs have will be used, however. The effective way to bring the two together is to start with their similarities and common approaches.
In converting from conventional QA to HACCP, it is generally no necessary to add personal to the program. The major effect of HACCP is to:
*Focus the control effort on the important issues
*Delegate responsibility
*Enforce documentation and action Under HACCP programs every one is responsible for control, not just the QA system and its personnel.
Contrasting Quality Assurance and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system
