6.2 The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point(HACCP) Concept
There are three elements to the HACCP approach for in-process control;
a. Assessment of the hazards associated with the manufacture of the product. In the case of canned fish preserved by heat alone, the hazards are due to the possible survival of, or recontamination by, C botulinum or its spores. The risk of botulism arises because:
*the environment within the can is suitable for toxin formation, and
*it is conceivable that under some circumstances the finished product is not likely to be treated (e.g., heated prior to consumption) in a manner which can be relied upon to render harmless any toxin that may be present.
b. Identification of the process critical control points(CCPS) to control the hazards. Critical control points are defined as those stages in production where lack of control could lead to the manufacture of an unsafe product due to the presence of organisms of public health significance. This definition places the emphasis on protection of public health; however, some manufacturers broaden their interpretations to include factors which, if not controlled, could affect the marketability of the product. In line with the more stringent approach to CCPs, application of the HACCP concept fish manufacture has the prevention of botulism as its primary objective whereas the wider interpretation encompasses control of safety factors and quality factors.