HACCP Inspection

MANUAL OF NAVAL PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

follow-ups are mandated in a realistic fashion, taking available resources

into account.

(4) HACCP Inspection (See Model HACCP Inspection Data Form in

Appendix C)

(a) Establishments operating under a variance requiring a HACCP

plan are inspected differently. HACCP critical limits must be routinely

monitored and recorded by the establishment and elements of the plan must

be verified by the inspector.

(b) Copies of the HACCP plan are useful during these

inspections. Additional time may be necessary to fully assess the

establishment's compliance with the HACCP plan. Verifying the maintenance

of the required records is an important element of the HACCP inspection.

Notation in the records of process deviations that occurred and corrective

actions taken in response to those deviations should not be cited as

adverse findings.

(5) Complaint Inspection

(a) Consumer complaints received by the PMA about a food

establishment requires investigation. Quick response is required for

complaints related to foodborne illnesses. Speed is essential to preserve

memories, food and environmental samples.

(b) HACCP principles can be used to supplement traditional

procedures for investigation of foodborne illness.

It helps focus the investigation on foods which have been epidemiologically

linked with illness.

more becomes known about the causes of foodborne illness, foods which may

not have been historically linked to illnesses are being implicated.

(d) The charting of food product flows and the designation of

critical control points can help delineate potential problems. If a hazard

seems evident, the suspect product or process can be recreated with the

cooperation of the establishment and the critical limits monitored.

(e) Consumer complaints about food establishments should be

evaluated in terms of public health significance before scheduling

inspections. For example, allegations about an establishment purchasing

shellfish from an illegal source should receive a higher priority than

unsanitary public restrooms.

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