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Evaluating the food safety systems governing the production of pork and poultry meat and meat products for export to Canada
7. HACCP plan and prerequisite programs

An inspection system must provide an appropriate regulatory framework to demonstrate an appropriate control over the relevant food safety requirements. In the context of equivalence with Canada, the CCA must mandate that each Food Business Operator (FBO) develops implements and maintains a HACCP system, or any alternate equivalent system. The CFIA auditors reviewed the implementation of HACCP systems in all visited establishments to determine if the CA's oversight was appropriately maintained. This included the assessment of the implementation of HACCP plans, pre-requisite programs, sanitation programs and sanitary handling of products.

In the EU, all requirements for the hygiene of food are laid down in the following three main regulations:

A number of shortcomings were identified by the auditors related to HACCP plans and prerequisite controls. These have been summarized under following sub-headings in the MS specific Annex:

In most cases, the CA took appropriate compliances actions. But in some cases, the CA failed to do so and the CCA and DG SANTE had to intervene. Although the CCAs in the respective MS seemed to be committed to follow-up activates on these deficiencies, CFIA would request that the response from respective MS commits to verify the implementation of corrective actions and preventative measures for all items.

The EU requires the MS to implement a robust traceability system, and as part of this requirement, complete food chain information was in place in all slaughter establishments audited.

Generally speaking there is scope for improvement in keeping the written programs and records complete and up-to-date. For example, deficiencies regarding critical limits and verification procedures for critical control points (CCP) were noted in various establishments. The implementation of the written programs also needs attention. Similar findings were noticed during 2014 audit beef inspection systems of the EU MS.

Multiple issues in three establishments warrant the need to develop and implement effective action plans to address all findings.

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