The HACCP Flexibility Approach in Small and Medium-Sized Food Businesses: A Comparison between the European Union and Türkiye
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v14i4.1256-1263.8713Keywords:
small and medium food business, HACCP Flexibility Approach, Prerequisite Programs, Hazard analysis, Food safetyAbstract
This study comprehensively examines the implementation of Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) and the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) flexibility approach in small and medium-sized food enterprises (SMEs) within the context of legislation implemented in the European Union (EU) and Türkiye. Based on the guidance documents and communications issued by the European Commission and the legal framework in force in Türkiye, the audit, implementation, and evaluation aspects of flexibility applied without undermining HACCP principles are examined. The study examines the role of PRPs and Operational Prerequisite Programs (OPRPs) controls in ensuring food safety in enterprises, determining whether Critical Control Points (CCPs) are limited or not possible; furthermore, it emphasizes the need for a standardized assessment approach to ensure uniformity in implementation during official controls. Based on literature findings and legislative analysis, it was concluded that the HACCP flexibility approach is a feasible and effective model for ensuring food safety in SMEs. It was further concluded that the approach of strengthening PRPs and OPRPs instead of CCPs, aligning the documentation burden with the capacity of the enterprise, and basing audits on actual practices contributes to the sustainable development of food safety culture. In order to better understand the flexibility provisions published in EC 852/2004, EC 853/2004, and other relevant directives/guidelines in Türkiye, and to utilize them in conjunction with sectoral good hygiene practice guides, a control checklist and implementation guide based on the HACCP Flexibility Approach was prepared. Some of these documents were included in this study, and initiatives have been undertaken to share them with the official authority.
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