Guidelines improving observations and recording such observations in a HACCP system

Abstract

This research aims at improving observations and recording observations in the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system (HACCP) in the seafood and fish processing industry. HACCP implementation is becoming more and more important nowadays - the new EU food hygiene legislation that came into effect on l January 2006 requires food operators to implement procedures based on HACCP principles. Keeping accurate documentation and records is one of the principles of HACCP. The research aims at developing guidelines and recommendations that will be of help to the industry to improve observations and data recording.
In this research a case study approach is used where a seafood processing company is studied through careful observations and experiments. The set of results obtained are then further validated with other similar processors in the UK
A qualitative and synthesized view from observations, experimental results, and the literature indicates that companies in this industry often operate in a physically harsh setting characterized by low temperatures and wet working environments. The research demonstrates the inconvenience of using paper as a recording medium in this type of environment. Further results from the research strongly support the use of appropriate Personal Digital Assistants (PDA5) as an alternative and improved medium over paper for recording data.
In order to improve observations within HACCP and also in relation to product freshness and quality, the area of sensory analysis is investigated. Sensory analysis can and does improve observations provided it is applied correctly, ideally as described in the British Standards for sensory analysis. The use of a PDA also helps in this area by enabling assessors to enter data directly in electronic format at source. More elaborate computer programs could be developed and used to perform statistical computations using raw sensory data and also to compare results with existing reference values stored
in a database. The valuable output returned to the assessors could help in decisions on accepting or rejecting a batch. This research finishes with a list of guidelines that could help improve observations and data recording in the industry.