What is HACCP?

If you're involved in the food industry, whether as a chef, server, business owner, or in any other capacity, you've probably heard the acronym HACCP. But what exactly is HACCP?
HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point. It's a comprehensive management system designed to address food safety by analyzing and controlling biological, chemical, and physical hazards throughout the entire food supply chain. This includes everything from the production and handling of raw materials to the manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of the final product.
By pinpointing critical control points in the process, businesses can implement measures to prevent, eliminate, or reduce hazards to safe levels.
Fun fact: The HACCP concept was first developed in the 1960s by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), working with Pillsbury, to ensure crumb and pathogen-free food that had extensive shelf-life properties for space travel.
Learn more about HACCP in the Imperial Dade Learning Center.