This post was updated September 4th, 2020.
The Food Safety Insider is proud to partner with Alchemy Systems to provide Advanced HACCP Certification courses available now.
Alchemy Academy is an International HACCP Alliance certified provider of Food Safety training programs.
It’s a 7 hour course, available online and is the perfect follow up to their Basic HACCP certification program, also available online.
Here are common and frequently asked questions we get about HACCP.
What is HACCP?
HACCP, which stands for “Hazards Analysis Critical Control Points”, is a system that identifies, monitors and manages food safety risks through the entire cycle of food production.
According to the FDA, “HACCP is a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling, to manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product.
Agencies such as the FDA and USDA, along with local health and safety agencies, enforce strict guidelines for all stages of food production, from the farm all the way to the consumers plate.
What does HACCP stand for?
HACCP stands for Hazards Analysis Critical Control Points.
What is HACCP certification?
HACCP Certification is a system that recognizes a business that has developed, documented and implemented systems and procedures that comply with HACCP.
HACCP certification is granted by an external certification authority(IACET and/or International HACCP Alliance) that has the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake an assessment of the HACCP system or HACCP plan.
The two primary accreditation bodies are IACET and International HACCP Alliance – training and certification classes can be completed through their registered partners(we’ve done the research for you!)
What companies need HACCP certification?
If you are in the business of manufacturing food at scale, a Hazards Analysis Critical Control Plan will be the foundation for your food safety program.
If you are a food manufacturer whose goal is to be sold through grocery stores, you’ll need a Hazards Analysis Critical Control Plan.
If you are a contract manufacturer looking to work with major food brands like General Mills or Nestle or Kraft Heinz, you will need a Hazards Analysis Critical Control Plan.
A Hazards Analysis Critical Control Plan is not required by law(see HARPC), but it is a critical and globally recognized system for compliance with most if not all GFSI schemes.
Who should register for HACCP certification?
HACCP Food Safety Team Members
Food Safety Managers
Plant Managers
Food Safety Team Leaders
Quality Control Managers
SQF Practitioners
Line Supervisors
Quality Assurance Managers
Food Safety Consultants
Senior Managers
Production Managers
Maintenance Managers
What is Advanced HACCP certification?
Typically, an Advanced HACCP certification will require coursework that builds on basic knowledge of HACCP plans and HACCP systems.
Additionally, Advanced Certification courses will dive into more advanced subjects such as record keeping, documentation, validation of your quality systems, continuous improvement programs and regulatory requirements and compliance.
Who should register for Advanced HACCP certification?
HACCP Food Safety Team Members
Food Safety Managers
Plant Managers
Food Safety Team Leaders
Quality Control Managers
SQF Practitioners
Line Supervisors
Quality Assurance Managers
Food Safety Consultants
Senior Managers
Production Managers
Maintenance Managers
Do I need to be basic HACCP certified to complete an Advanced HACCP course?
Yes. It will be helpful to be certified with Basic HACCP Certification before getting Advanced HACCP certification – most HACCP certification programs like Alchemy Systems will have course bundles where you can for both Basic and Advanced HACCP certification at the same time with a discount.This post