One of the terms that you will hear as you have conversations about HACCP is the term “prerequisite programs”. The word prerequisite is defined as something that is required as a condition for something else to happen. Therefore prerequisite programs are food safety programs that must be in place before HACCP is implemented. Otherwise, the HACCP program will not work effectively.
Prerequisite programs required for HACCP include facility layout and design, equipment, receiving, storage, water quality, cleaning and sanitation, personal hygiene, pest control, training, and traceability.
Prerequisite programs are documented using standard operating procedures (SOPs). SOPs provide a layout of:
- What should be done
- How it should be done
- Who should do it
- How it should be monitored, and
- What corrective actions are needed if the standard is not met
If you are asked to write an SOP for a task, you may prepare it from a template that your company may already be using or you can create a new one if you don’t already have one in place. Whichever route you take, an important principle that you should remember as you develop your SOPs is that you are not writing it for yourself but for another user. Therefore, keep the user’s reading, knowledge, education, and experience level in mind. A good practice is to keep it clear and simple. If you do not have a template to get you started on your new SOP, or you are not sure if the one that you are using is acceptable, here is an outline you can use:
| Title | Give a title that makes it clear what is to be accomplished e.g. “cleaning of agitating kettle”. |
| Purpose | State why this SOP exist by saying in one or two sentences, what is to be accomplished. |
| Scope | Who is this SOP for? Indicate who the SOP applies. This could be an individual, an entire department, or more than one department. |
| Procedure | How should the activity be done? Outline in detail, the steps needed to get the job done. Include what is to be done, who will do it, how it is to be done, and how often. Be clear, and keep it as simple as possible. |
| Monitoring | Indicate who will monitor the procedure above to make sure it is being done and done correctly, how it is to be done, and how often. |
| Corrective Actions | Say what action is to be taken if there is a deviation from the standard, and indicate who is responsible for taking action. |
| Verification | Indicate how the SOP will be checked to ensure that it is being followed and maintained. Indicate who is responsible for verification and how often verification will be done. |
| Records | List all the records associated with this SOP. |
Be aware that SOPs are living, breathing documents that should be regularly reviewed and updated as practices change to adapt to your operation.
