The second step in a HACCP system is to determine the critical control points, i.e.
determination of materials, products or production steps that have to be monitored for
fungal contaminants. One rule of the thumb could be the ratio of tests conducted on
ingredients versus tests done on finished products, which is for example 9 to 1.
• The third step is to establish critical limits, i.e. to determine the maximum tolerable toxin
levels. What is the internal risk profile that is acceptable within an operation?
• Step number four is the establishment of procedures for monitoring the critical control
points. This can include procedures for sampling, sample preparation and testing itself,
or the out-sourcing of parts of or even the total analytical process.
• Step five covers the establishment of corrective actions, which could comprise the introduction
of certain cleaning procedures for silos, bins, hoppers, and elevators into the
maintaining plan, as repeated contamination could originate from bins containing materials
like wheat bran that have never been cleaned so that contamination might originate
from and spread within the same operation and not only from purchased ingredients.
• Step six comprises the verification procedures.
• Step seven comprises the documentation and record keeping procedures