HACCP
HACCP
HACCP
Understanding the laws and regulations related to HACCP in the hotel industry
Differences in regulations between countries and regions
Understanding the role of third-party audits and certifications specific to hotels
VI. Examination
Introduction
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is a systematic approach to identifying and
preventing potential food safety hazards in the food production process. In the hotel industry, a HACCP
program is a set of procedures and controls that are implemented to ensure the safety and quality of
food served in hotels. The "Introduction to HACCP in the Hotel Industry" section is the foundation of
any HACCP program for hotels. It aims to provide an understanding of HACCP principles and their
application in a hotel setting. This section should provide an overview of HACCP, its significance in
the food industry, its importance in the hotel industry, key principles of HACCP and their application in
a hotel setting, legal and regulatory requirements for HACCP implementation in hotels, and
understanding of the unique hazards and controls specific to the hotel industry. By providing a
thorough understanding of HACCP principles, their importance in the hotel industry, and the specific
challenges and hazards of the hotel setting, this section should provide a strong foundation for the rest
of the HACCP program. The hotel industry faces specific challenges related to food safety such as large
volume food production, multiple food outlets, and varied menu offerings. In order to address these
challenges, hotels must implement a robust HACCP program that includes hazard analysis, critical
control point identification, monitoring, corrective actions, and verification procedures. This program
must also be integrated into the overall food safety management system of the hotel, including regular
third-party audits and certifications to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Implementing HACCP in the hotel industry is a critical step in ensuring the safety and quality of food
served in hotels. The process involves identifying hazards specific to the hotel industry, such as cross-
contamination, time-temperature abuse, and poor personal hygiene. This information is used to
establish critical control points (CCPs) throughout the food production process, including in the
kitchen, restaurant, banquet, room service, and vending areas. Once CCPs are identified, critical limits
are established for them, such as temperature and time requirements for cooking, holding, and cooling
food. Monitoring and testing procedures are then implemented to ensure the CCPs are operating within
these limits. In the event of any deviations, corrective actions, such as retraining employees or
adjusting cooking procedures, are taken. Verification procedures, such as regular audits and
inspections, are also implemented to ensure the HACCP plan is functioning as intended.
Documentation and record-keeping procedures, including maintaining records of food temperatures,
ingredient sourcing, and employee training, are also put in place to aid in ongoing monitoring and
verification. Training all employees on the HACCP program and their specific roles and responsibilities
in maintaining food safety is also important. Continuously monitoring and reviewing the HACCP plan
and updating it as necessary is also critical. The HACCP program is also integrated into the overall
food safety management system of the hotel, including regular third-party audits and certifications to
ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. By following these steps, hotels can ensure
the safety and quality of food served in the hotel and protect the reputation of the hotel.
Hotels can take advantage of the HACCP program by improving food safety, meeting regulatory
requirements, enhancing customer satisfaction, achieving cost savings, and implementing a system for
continual improvement. By identifying and preventing potential food safety hazards through the
HACCP program, hotels can ensure safer and higher quality food for their guests, reducing incidents of
food-borne illness and protecting the reputation of the hotel. Additionally, by implementing a HACCP
program, hotels can comply with regulatory requirements and avoid fines and penalties. Enhancing
customer satisfaction through safe and high-quality food can lead to repeat business and positive word-
of-mouth recommendations, ultimately driving revenue growth for the hotel. Implementing a HACCP
program can also help hotels identify and address inefficiencies in their food production process,
leading to cost savings in areas such as food waste and employee training. Continuously monitoring
and reviewing the HACCP plan allows for identification of areas for improvement and necessary
changes to ensure food safety and quality are maintained over time. Overall, by taking these steps,
hotels can ensure the safety and quality of food served in the hotel and protect the reputation of the
hotel.
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is a systematic approach to identifying and
preventing potential food safety hazards in the food production process. In the hotel industry, HACCP
is a set of procedures and controls that are implemented to ensure the safety and quality of food served
in hotels. The "Overview of HACCP and its importance in food safety for hotels" section is the
foundation of any HACCP program for hotels. It aims to provide an understanding of HACCP
principles and their application in the hotel setting.
HACCP is a proactive approach to food safety that identifies potential hazards at each step of the food
production process and establishes controls to prevent or minimize these hazards. The HACCP system
is based on seven principles: conducting a hazard analysis, determining critical control points (CCPs),
establishing critical limits, implementing monitoring procedures, implementing corrective actions,
implementing verification procedures, and implementing documentation and record-keeping
procedures. By following these principles, hotels can identify and prevent potential hazards, ensuring
the safety and quality of food served to guests.
For example, during the hazard analysis step, hotels should identify the potential hazards in their food
production process, such as cross-contamination, time-temperature abuse, poor personal hygiene and
more. This will allow the hotel to determine which hazards are more likely to occur and which hazards
are more critical. The hotel can then focus on controlling or preventing these hazards.
Once hazards are identified, hotels must establish critical control points (CCPs) throughout the food
production process, such as in the kitchen, restaurant, banquet, room service, and vending areas. For
example, food storage, preparation, cooking, holding, and cooling, as transportation and service are all
examples of critical control points in the hotel industry. At each of these CCPs, critical limits must be
established. For example, at the cooking CCP, the critical limit may be a minimum temperature of
165°F for 15 seconds for all poultry products to eliminate harmful bacteria. At the holding CCP, the
critical limit may be maintaining hot food at a temperature of 135°F or above and cold food at a
temperature of 41°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
Implementing monitoring and testing procedures is also an important step in the HACCP program. For
example, hotels may perform regular temperature checks on food products throughout the entire food
production process to ensure that they are being held at the appropriate temperatures. Hotels may also
conduct pH tests and microbial testing on food products to ensure that they are within safe limits.
Corrective actions must be taken when deviations from the critical limits occur. For example, if food is
found to be held at an incorrect temperature, the hotel may take corrective actions such as retraining
employees or adjusting cooking procedures to prevent the deviation from happening again in the future.
Verification procedures such as regular audits and inspections are also important in the HACCP
program. These procedures help hotels ensure that the HACCP plan is working as intended.
Documentation and record-keeping procedures, including maintaining records of food temperatures,
ingredient sourcing, and employee training, are also critical to the HACCP program. This
documentation can be used to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements and as evidence in
case of any food safety incident.
"Key principles of HACCP and their application in a hotel setting" refers to the seven key principles
that make up the HACCP program, and how they can be applied in the hotel industry to ensure the
safety and quality of food served to guests.
Conducting a hazard analysis: This principle involves identifying potential hazards that may occur
during the food production process, such as cross-contamination, time-temperature abuse, and poor
personal hygiene. In a hotel setting, hazards can occur at various stages of food production, such as
during storage, preparation, cooking, holding, and service. By identifying these hazards, the hotel can
prioritize which hazards to focus on and take steps to prevent them.
Determining critical control points (CCPs): Once hazards are identified, the next step is to determine
the critical control points (CCPs) in the food production process where hazards can be effectively
controlled or prevented. In a hotel setting, CCPs can include food storage, preparation, cooking,
holding, and cooling, as well as transportation and service. By identifying these key points, the hotel
can focus their efforts on controlling or preventing hazards.
Establishing critical limits: For each CCP, critical limits must be established to ensure that hazards are
effectively controlled. These limits can include temperature and time requirements for cooking,
holding, and cooling food, as well as pH and microbial limits. These critical limits are important
benchmarks for the hotel to ensure that the food is safe for consumption.
Implementing monitoring procedures: Monitoring procedures must be implemented to ensure that the
CCPs are operating within their established critical limits. This includes regular temperature checks,
pH tests, and microbial testing on food products. In a hotel setting, this could involve using
thermometers, pH meters and other food safety equipment as well as tracking and recording the results
of these tests.
Implementing corrective actions: If deviations from the critical limits occur, corrective actions must be
taken to prevent them from happening again in the future. This could include retraining employees,
adjusting cooking procedures or other actions.
Implementing verification procedures: Verification procedures, such as regular audits and inspections,
are important to ensure that the HACCP plan is functioning as intended. This allows the hotel to
identify any potential weaknesses in the plan and make necessary adjustments. In a hotel setting, this
could include regular third-party audits and certifications to ensure compliance with legal and
regulatory requirements.
"Legal and regulatory requirements for HACCP implementation in hotels" is a critical aspect of
ensuring the safety and quality of food served in hotels. Hotels must comply with a variety of laws and
regulations that vary depending on the country and location.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established guidelines for HACCP
implementation in the food industry, including hotels. The FDA's Fish and Fisheries Products Hazards
and Controls Guidance, for example, provides guidance for the safe production of fish and fishery
products. The FDA also has the authority to conduct inspections of hotels to ensure compliance with
HACCP regulations. Hotels that produce or serve meat products must also comply with the regulations
of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
In the European Union, The Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs requires food
business operators to implement a food safety management system, which includes HACCP principles.
The European Union also has specific regulations for the production of certain types of foods, such as
meat and dairy products, which must be followed by hotels that produce these products.
In addition to national and local regulations, hotels may also be required to comply with international
standards, such as the Codex Alimentarius, which provides guidelines for food safety and food hygiene.
These guidelines are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and are often referenced by countries in their
own regulations.
Hotels must also comply with specific regulations regarding food labeling, allergen management, and
sanitation. These regulations may include requirement for allergen warning statement, proper labeling
of ingredients, and sanitation guidelines.
Hotels must also have a plan in place to handle food safety incidents, such as food poisoning or
allergen reactions, and to be able to trace the source of the problem quickly and effectively.It's
important for hotels to keep themselves updated with these regulations and guidelines as they are
subject to change and updates. Hotels must also maintain records of their compliance with these
regulations and guidelines, such as food temperature records, ingredient sourcing records and employee
training records. These records can be used to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements
and as evidence in case of any food safety incident.
Hotels should also conduct regular self-inspections and audits to ensure that their HACCP program is
functioning as intended, and to identify and address any potential weaknesses in the program. Third-
party audits and certifications are also recommended to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory
requirements. This can provide assurance to the hotel that they are in compliance with the regulations,
but also to the guests, suppliers and regulators.
In order to remain compliant with legal and regulatory requirements, hotels must also have a system in
place for updating and revising their HACCP program as necessary. This includes training employees
on the HACCP program, including their specific roles and responsibilities in maintaining food safety.
In summary, Legal and regulatory requirements for HACCP implementation in hotels are an essential
aspect of ensuring the safety and quality of food served in hotels, protecting the reputation of the hotel
and complying with legal requirements. Hotels must keep themselves updated with these regulations,
conduct regular self-inspections, audits and certifications and have a system in place for updating and
revising their HACCP program as necessary.
HACCP, or Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, is a food safety management system that
focuses on identifying and preventing potential hazards in food production and handling. In the hotel
industry, HACCP implementation is essential to ensure that the food served to guests is safe to eat and
meets regulatory requirements.
There are several legal and regulatory requirements for HACCP implementation in hotels. One of the
most important is compliance with local and national food safety laws and regulations. In the United
States, for example, hotels must comply with the Food Code, which is issued by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and enforced by state and local health departments. The Food Code sets
standards for food handling, storage, and preparation, and requires that food establishments, including
hotels, have a HACCP plan in place.
Another important requirement is compliance with industry standards and guidelines. In the hotel
industry, this includes standards set by organizations such as the American Hotel & Lodging
Association (AH&LA) and the National Restaurant Association (NRA). These standards provide
guidance on best practices for food safety, including HACCP implementation.
In addition to these requirements, hotels must also have a HACCP plan that is specific to their facility
and operations. This plan should be developed by a team of experts, including management, chefs,
kitchen staff, and food safety professionals. It should identify potential hazards throughout the food
production and handling process, and establish critical control points and procedures for monitoring
and controlling those hazards. The HACCP plan should also be regularly reviewed and updated to
ensure it remains effective in preventing food safety hazards.
Implementing HACCP in hotels can be a complex process, but it is essential to ensure the safety of
guests and to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. By following industry standards and
guidelines, and developing a specific HACCP plan, hotels can help protect their guests and their
reputation by ensuring that the food they serve is safe to eat.
Understanding the unique hazards and controls specific to the hotel industry
Understanding the unique hazards and controls specific to the hotel industry is an essential aspect of
implementing a successful HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan. The hotel
industry presents a unique set of hazards and challenges when it comes to food safety due to the wide
range of food service operations, the number of guests and staff, and the various locations where food
is prepared and served.
One of the unique hazards specific to the hotel industry is cross-contamination. This can occur when
raw and cooked foods are prepared and stored in close proximity, or when the same utensils and
equipment are used for both raw and cooked foods. This can lead to the spread of harmful bacteria and
other pathogens, and can cause food poisoning. To control this hazard, hotels should have separate
areas for the preparation and storage of raw and cooked foods, as well as designated utensils and
equipment for each.
Another unique hazard specific to the hotel industry is the handling and storage of food that is brought
in from outside the hotel. This can include food that is delivered from suppliers, or food that is brought
in by guests for special events. These foods may not have been handled or stored properly, and can
introduce hazards such as bacteria or allergens into the hotel's food service operations. To control this
hazard, hotels should have strict policies in place for the acceptance and handling of outside food, and
should ensure that all food is properly inspected, stored, and handled before it is served.
Food service operations at the hotels also creates a unique hazard that is the food being held at incorrect
temperatures. This can occur when food is held for long periods at temperatures that are either too hot
or too cold, which can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria. To control this hazard, hotels should have
proper equipment such as hot/cold holding units and thermometers to ensure that food is held at the
correct temperatures.
Another unique hazard specific to the hotel industry is the number of guests and staff that are present in
the hotel. This can create a high risk of food-borne illness outbreaks due to the large numbers of people
who are in close proximity to one another. To control this hazard, hotels should have strict policies in
place for food handling, storage, and preparation, and should ensure that all staff members receive
proper training on food safety.
In addition to the hazards and controls mentioned previously, the hotel industry also presents several
other unique challenges when it comes to food safety.
One of the main challenges is the complexity of the food service operations. Hotels often have multiple
restaurants, cafes, bars, and other food service outlets, each with their own menu, kitchen, and staff.
This can make it difficult to implement and maintain a consistent HACCP plan across the entire hotel.
To overcome this challenge, hotels should have a centralized food safety management system that is
implemented and enforced across all food service outlets. This should include standard operating
procedures, training programs, and regular audits to ensure compliance with the HACCP plan.
Another challenge specific to the hotel industry is the high turnover rate of staff. Hotels often hire large
numbers of temporary and seasonal staff, which can make it difficult to ensure that all staff members
are properly trained and understand the HACCP plan. To overcome this challenge, hotels should have a
comprehensive training program in place for all new staff members, and should ensure that all staff
members are properly trained and certified in food safety.
The fast-paced nature of the hotel industry also creates a unique challenge when it comes to food
safety. With guests coming and going, and food service operations running around the clock, it can be
difficult to ensure that all food is handled, stored, and prepared properly. To overcome this challenge,
hotels should have clear policies in place for food handling, storage, and preparation, and should ensure
that all staff members are properly trained and understand these policies.
Another challenge specific to the hotel industry is the large number of guests with special dietary
needs. These can include food allergies, religious restrictions, or dietary preferences. Hotels must take
this into consideration when preparing and serving food to ensure that all guests are able to eat safely.
To overcome this challenge, hotels should have a clear system in place for identifying and
accommodating with guests with special dietary needs, and should ensure that all staff members are
properly trained on how to handle and prepare food for these guests.
In conclusion, the hotel industry presents several unique challenges when it comes to food safety.
Understanding these challenges, and implementing effective strategies to overcome them, is essential
for ensuring that all guests are able to eat safely, and that the hotel is in compliance with all legal and
regulatory requirements.
A HACCP study involves a thorough examination of the entire food production and handling process,
from purchasing and receiving of ingredients to the final service of food to guests. It involves a team of
experts, including management, chefs, kitchen staff, and food safety professionals, who work together
to identify potential hazards and establish critical control points and procedures for monitoring and
controlling those hazards.
The study typically begins with a review of the hotel's food service operations, including the menus,
kitchen layout, and equipment. The team will then conduct a hazard analysis, which involves
identifying the potential physical, chemical, and biological hazards that may be present in the food
service operations. Once hazards have been identified, the team will establish critical control points,
which are specific points in the food production and handling process where hazards can be controlled
or prevented.
After the critical control points have been established, the team will develop monitoring procedures to
ensure that the hazards are being controlled effectively. This may include temperature monitoring, pH
testing, or other methods of testing to ensure that the food is safe for consumption. The team will also
develop corrective actions to be taken in case of deviations from the critical control points, and a
verification plan to ensure that the entire HACCP system is working effectively.
The HACCP study is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring, review and updating to
ensure that the food service operations are running safely and efficiently. It is a critical tool for hotels to
ensure food safety, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and protect guests and their
reputation.
Identifying hazards in food production, preparation, and service in a hotel setting is an essential step in
implementing an effective HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan. A hazard is any
physical, chemical, or biological agent that has the potential to cause illness or injury. Identifying
hazards allows hotels to establish critical control points and procedures for monitoring and controlling
those hazards, which is crucial for ensuring the safety of food served to guests.
One of the main hazards in food production, preparation, and service in a hotel setting is cross-
contamination. This occurs when raw and cooked foods are prepared and stored in close proximity, or
when the same utensils and equipment are used for both raw and cooked foods. Cross-contamination
can lead to the spread of harmful bacteria and other pathogens, and can cause food poisoning. To
control this hazard, hotels should have separate areas for the preparation and storage of raw and cooked
foods, as well as designated utensils and equipment for each.
Another hazard in food production, preparation, and service in a hotel setting is the handling and
storage of food that is brought in from outside the hotel. This can include food that is delivered from
suppliers, or food that is brought in by guests for special events. These foods may not have been
handled or stored properly, and can introduce hazards such as bacteria or allergens into the hotel's food
service operations. To control this hazard, hotels should have strict policies in place for the acceptance
and handling of outside food, and should ensure that all food is properly inspected, stored, and handled
before it is served.
Temperature abuse is also a common hazard in food production, preparation, and service in a hotel
setting. This can occur when food is held for long periods at temperatures that are either too hot or too
cold, which can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria. To control this hazard, hotels should have
proper equipment such as hot/cold holding units and thermometers to ensure that food is held at the
correct temperatures.
Allergens are also a hazard that needs to be taken into consideration in food production, preparation,
and service in a hotel setting. These can cause severe reactions in some individuals and can lead to
legal liability if not handled properly. To control this hazard, hotels should have a clear system in place
for identifying and accommodating with guests with special dietary needs, and should ensure that all
staff members are properly trained on how to handle and prepare food for these guests.
Overall, identifying hazards in food production, preparation, and service in a hotel setting is crucial for
implementing an effective HACCP plan that ensures the safety of guests and staff, and meets all legal
and regulatory requirements. By identifying and controlling these hazards, hotels can help protect their
guests, staff, and reputation by ensuring that the food they serve is safe to eat.
Determining critical control points (CCPs) for specific areas such as kitchen, restaurant,
banquet, room service and vending machines
Determining critical control points (CCPs) is an essential step in implementing an effective HACCP
(Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan. A CCP is a specific point in the food production
and handling process where hazards can be controlled or prevented. Identifying CCPs allows hotels to
establish monitoring procedures and corrective actions to ensure that the hazards are being controlled
effectively.
When determining CCPs for specific areas such as the kitchen, restaurant, banquet, room service, and
vending machines, it is important to consider the unique hazards and challenges that are present in each
area.
For example, in the kitchen, a CCP may be the refrigeration temperature of raw meats. This is because
improper storage temperature can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria and possible food poisoning.
The critical limit for this CCP would be 41°F or lower. The monitoring procedure for this CCP would
be to take regular temperature readings of the refrigerator using a thermometer, and the corrective
action in case of deviation would be to immediately discard the food and ensure that the refrigerator is
fixed or replaced.
In the restaurant, a CCP may be the cooking temperature of poultry. Poultry should be cooked to an
internal temperature of 165°F to kill harmful bacteria. The critical limit for this CCP would be 165°F or
higher. The monitoring procedure for this CCP would be to use a food thermometer to check the
internal temperature of the poultry and the corrective action in case of deviation would be to discard the
food and cook it properly.
In the banquet area, a CCP may be the holding temperature of food during service. Food should be held
at a temperature between 135°F and 165°F. The critical limit for this CCP would be 135°F or higher
and 165°F or lower. The monitoring procedure for this CCP would be to use a thermometer to check
the holding temperature of the food and the corrective action in case of deviation would be to discard
the food that is out of the temperature range.
In room service and vending machines, a CCP may be the storage temperature of perishable food items.
Perishable food items such as sandwiches, fruits and yogurt should be stored at a temperature of 41°F
or lower. The critical limit for this CCP would be 41°F or lower. The monitoring procedure for this
CCP would be to check the temperature of the storage area regularly and the corrective action in case
of deviation would be to discard the food and ensure that the storage area is fixed or replaced.
It is important to note that these are just examples, and each hotel will have its unique operation and
hazards. The HACCP team should conduct a thorough analysis of the entire food production and
handling process to identify all the potential hazards and determine the appropriate CCPs, monitoring
procedures, and corrective actions. By identifying and controlling the hazards at their specific CCPs,
hotels can ensure the safety of food served to guests and meet legal and regulatory requirements.
Determining the appropriate critical limits for CCPs is a crucial step in implementing an effective
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan. A critical limit is a specific value or range
of values that separates safe from unsafe conditions at a CCP. It is the boundary that separates
acceptability from unacceptability and is used to monitor the CCP and to determine whether it is in
control or out of control.
To establish critical limits, the HACCP team should consider a variety of factors, including scientific
data, industry standards, and regulatory requirements. For example, when determining the critical limit
for the refrigeration temperature of raw meats, the HACCP team should consider the temperature range
that prevents the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. According to the
FDA, the critical limit for the refrigeration temperature of raw meats should be 41°F or lower.
When determining the critical limit for the cooking temperature of poultry, the team should consider
the temperature that is sufficient to kill harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter.
According to the FDA, the critical limit for the cooking temperature of poultry should be 165°F or
higher.
When determining the critical limit for the holding temperature of food during service in banquet area,
the team should consider the temperature range that prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and keeps
the food safe for consumption. According to the FDA, the critical limit for the holding temperature of
food should be between 135°F and 165°F.
When determining the critical limit for the storage temperature of perishable food items, the team
should consider the temperature range that prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and keeps the food
safe for consumption. According to the FDA, the critical limit for the storage temperature of perishable
food items should be 41°F or lower.
It is important to note that these are just examples, and each hotel will have its unique operation and
hazards.
For example, in the kitchen, one of the CCPs may be the refrigeration temperature of raw meats. The
critical limit for this CCP is 41°F or lower. To monitor this CCP, the hotel may use a thermometer to
take regular temperature readings of the refrigeration unit. The monitoring frequency may be set to
twice a day, or more frequently, depending on the hotel's HACCP plan. If the temperature reading
exceeds the critical limit, the hotel should take a corrective action, such as discarding the food and
ensuring that the refrigeration unit is fixed or replaced.
Another example is in the restaurant, a CCP may be the cooking temperature of poultry. The critical
limit for this CCP is 165°F or higher. To monitor this CCP, the hotel may use a food thermometer to
check the internal temperature of the poultry. The monitoring frequency may be set to every 30
minutes, or more frequently, depending on the hotel's HACCP plan. If the temperature reading is below
the critical limit, the hotel should take a corrective action, such as discarding the food and cooking it
properly.
In the banquet area, a CCP may be the holding temperature of food during service. The critical limit for
this CCP is between 135°F and 165°F. To monitor this CCP, the hotel may use a thermometer to check
the holding temperature of the food. The monitoring frequency may be set to every hour, or more
frequently, depending on the hotel's HACCP plan. If the temperature reading is outside of the critical
limit, the hotel should take a corrective action, such as discarding the food and adjusting the holding
equipment or reheating the food to the appropriate temperature.
In the room service, a CCP may be the storage temperature of perishable food items. The critical limit
for this CCP is 41°F or lower. To monitor this CCP, the hotel may use a thermometer to check the
temperature of the storage area regularly. The monitoring frequency may be set to twice a day, or more
frequently, depending on the hotel's HACCP plan. If the temperature reading exceeds the critical limit,
the hotel should take a corrective action, such as discarding the food and ensuring that the storage area
is fixed or replaced.
In addition to monitoring temperature, other monitoring procedures may include pH testing, microbial
testing, visual inspections, and equipment testing. For example, in the kitchen, a monitoring procedure
may include inspecting equipment such as cutting boards and knives for signs of wear and damage to
ensure they are in good working condition. In the restaurant, visual inspections of food can be used to
detect any physical contaminants or spoilage.
It is important to note that these are just examples, and each hotel will have its unique operation and
hazards. The HACCP team should conduct a thorough analysis of the entire food production and
handling process to identify all the potential hazards and determine the appropriate monitoring and
testing procedures for each CCP. By implementing monitoring and testing procedures, hotels can
ensure that the hazards are being controlled effectively by detecting deviations from the critical limits
and taking appropriate corrective actions.
Establishing corrective actions for deviations is an essential step in implementing an effective HACCP
(Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan in the hotel setting. A deviation is a failure to meet a
critical limit, and corrective actions are the steps taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of food-
borne illness when a deviation occurs. By establishing corrective actions, hotels can ensure that the
hazards at the critical control points (CCPs) are being controlled effectively.
For example, in the kitchen, one of the CCPs may be the refrigeration temperature of raw meats. The
critical limit for this CCP is 41°F or lower. If the temperature reading exceeds the critical limit during a
monitoring, the hotel may take a corrective action such as discarding the food, and ensuring that the
refrigeration unit is fixed or replaced, and also reviewing the cause of the deviation, and taking
preventive measures to avoid similar deviations in the future.
Another example is in the restaurant, a CCP may be the cooking temperature of poultry. The critical
limit for this CCP is 165°F or higher. If the temperature reading is below the critical limit during a
monitoring, the hotel may take a corrective action such as discarding the food, and cooking it properly,
and also reviewing the cause of the deviation, and taking preventive measures to avoid similar
deviations in the future.
In the banquet area, a CCP may be the holding temperature of food during service. The critical limit for
this CCP is between 135°F and 165°F. If the temperature reading is outside of the critical limit during a
monitoring, the hotel may take a corrective action such as discarding the food, adjusting the holding
equipment or reheating the food to the appropriate temperature, and also reviewing the cause of the
deviation, and taking preventive measures to avoid similar deviations in the future.
In the room service, a CCP may be the storage temperature of perishable food items. The critical limit
for this CCP is 41°F or lower. If the temperature reading exceeds the critical limit during a monitoring,
the hotel may take a corrective action such as discarding the food, and ensuring that the storage area is
fixed or replaced, and also reviewing the cause of the deviation, and taking preventive measures to
avoid similar deviations in the future.
It is important to note that these are just examples, and each hotel will have its unique operation and
hazards. The HACCP team should conduct a thorough analysis of the entire food production and
handling process to identify all the potential hazards and determine the appropriate corrective actions
for each CCP. By establishing corrective actions, hotels can ensure that the hazards are being controlled
effectively by detecting deviations from the critical limits and taking appropriate actions to prevent or
reduce the likelihood of food-borne illness.
When establishing corrective actions, it is important to consider the root cause of the deviation and the
potential impact on food safety. The HACCP team should evaluate the deviation and determine the
appropriate corrective action to take.
For example, if the deviation is caused by a broken refrigeration unit, the corrective action would be to
repair or replace the unit, and also to review the maintenance schedule of the equipment, to ensure that
it is in good working condition and to avoid similar deviations in the future.
If the deviation is caused by an employee not following proper food handling procedures, the corrective
action would be retraining the employee on the proper food handling procedures and also reviewing the
training program to ensure that all employees are properly trained and following the procedures.
If the deviation is caused by a supplier not meeting the specifications, the corrective action would be to
reject the shipment and investigate the supplier's procedures and quality control methods, and also to
review the supplier selection and approval process to ensure that all suppliers meet the necessary food
safety requirements.
Corrective actions should be specific, measurable, and achievable and should be based on scientific
principles. It is important to document all deviations and corrective actions taken, including the date,
time, and person responsible for taking the action, and the results of any follow-up monitoring or
testing.
Furthermore, it is important to have a system in place to verify that the corrective actions have been
effective, and that the hazards have been controlled. This may include additional monitoring or testing
of the CCP, or a review of the HACCP plan to determine if any changes are needed to prevent similar
deviations in the future.
By establishing and implementing effective corrective actions, hotels can ensure that the hazards are
being controlled effectively and that the food served to guests is safe to eat. This will not only protect
the guests and staff but also help to protect the reputation of the hotel.
For example, in the kitchen, one of the verification procedures may be an independent review of the
HACCP plan. This may involve having an outside expert review the plan, to ensure that it is thorough
and effective, that all the hazards have been identified, and that the appropriate CCPs, monitoring and
testing procedures, and corrective actions have been established.
Another example is in the restaurant, a verification procedure may be a microbial testing of the food
products. This may involve taking samples of the food products, and testing them for the presence of
harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, to ensure that the food is safe to eat.
In the banquet area, a verification procedure may be a sanitation inspection. This may involve having a
sanitation expert inspect the banquet area to ensure that it is clean and that all food-handling equipment
is in good working condition.
In the room service, a verification procedure may be a review of the temperature logs. This may
involve reviewing the temperature logs of the storage area, to ensure that the food is being stored at the
appropriate temperature, and that the storage equipment is working properly.
It is important to note that these are just examples, and each hotel will have its unique operation and
hazards. The HACCP team should conduct a thorough analysis of the entire food production and
handling process to identify all the potential hazards and determine the appropriate verification
procedures for each CCP. By implementing verification procedures, hotels can ensure that the hazards
are being controlled effectively by evaluating the overall performance of the HACCP plan, and making
any necessary adjustments to ensure that it is working correctly.
Verification procedures should be conducted regularly, and the frequency of the verification will
depend on the hotel's HACCP plan and the risk level of the hazards. The verification procedures should
be conducted by trained personnel who are independent of the day-to-day operations of the food
production and handling process.
For example, an independent review of the HACCP plan should be conducted at least annually, and
more frequently if changes are made to the plan or if there are any deviations from the critical limits.
Microbial testing should be conducted on a regular basis, such as monthly or quarterly, depending on
the type of food product and the risk level of the hazards. Sanitation inspection should be conducted at
least twice a year, or more frequently if there are any deviations from the critical limits. Temperature
logs should be reviewed daily, or more frequently if there are any deviations from the critical limits.
It is important to document all verification procedures, including the date, time, and person responsible
for conducting the procedure, and the results of any follow-up monitoring or testing. If any deviations
from the critical limits are found during the verification procedures, the hotel should take appropriate
corrective actions and make any necessary adjustments to the HACCP plan to ensure that it is working
correctly.
Verification procedures provide an important check on the overall performance of the HACCP plan and
help to ensure that the hazards are being controlled effectively. By implementing and conducting
regular verification procedures, hotels can ensure that the food they serve is safe to eat and that they are
in compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.
It is important to note that implementing an HACCP plan is not a one-time task but rather a continuous
process that requires constant monitoring, review, and updating to maintain its effectiveness. The
HACCP team should periodically review and update the plan to ensure that it is current and that it is
able to effectively control the hazards.