IS HACCP ONLY
APPLICABLE TO PROFESSIONALS? PART 2
Re-cap
In part 1 of this subject, I explained the paper work
involved in practicing HACCP professionally.
If identifying all these critical
control points is so important to ensure food safety standards, what happens
when all these carefully taken measures are done away with at home?
Well, as a consumer we trust the manufacturer, especially
when they have a HACCP logo on their packaging label. When we come home after
the purchase, we open the packaging. Maybe we use a part of it, store the
balance in the refrigerator and that is it.
Let us look at this example.
When a manufacturer uses a table model can opener and the internal part
of the opener (where the knife is placed) is rusty, this becomes a critical
control point by HACCP standards and the manufacturer will be required to
rectify this Critical Control Point by replacing the can opener with one made
of full stainless steel.
Practicing HACCP at
Home
When we have the same issue at home, there is no more issue. Because
nobody realizes or notices that some rust in a can opener is actually not too
good for you and your family.
Surely we all hold the health of our family at heart.
Practicing full HACCP at home is unthinkable. We simply do not do that.
Practicing
good hygiene and keeping some of the HACCP principles in mind is however a good
idea.
Implementing:
If it
is liquid (soup for example), you can freeze the balance in the pouch and
vacuum after freezing.
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| Re-Pack |
Most if not all of products available in the market can be
treated this way. Products bought in jars, cans and other types of packaging.
The products do not only stay in better condition but their shelf life is
prolonged and they will not be subjected to hazardous bacteria that accumulate
on the inside of jar lids and lids of half opened cans anymore.
When you pre- prepare foods before vacuuming, ensure that
your work station is clean and that you do not mix raw and cooked food
products. Clean chopping boards and utensils before use and when you switch
from meat to fish to fruit to vegetables. Best is to use dedicated chopping
boards but not everyone does or can do that.
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| Find your Vacuum Sealer www.vacupack.com www.vacupack.ca |
Keep your vacuum sealer clean especially the seal strip. It
is likely you do not use the vacuum sealer everyday and it is therefore
important that hazardous bacteria have no accumulation opportunities during
storage of the machine.
Applying HACCP principles will help you to achieve better home
cooking practices. Your vacuum sealer is a perfect tool and aids you again.
The question was:
Is HACCP applicable at home? Yes it is, nobody expects you to
fill in all the forms like manufacturers are required to do. The main principle
of HACCP is food safety and that is something that can be achieved.
By: Marinus Hoogendoorn
