How Does HACCP Compare to the Current Food Production and Inspection Programs?
The current food inspection program is based on a "see, smell and touch" approach that relies more on detection of potential hazards than prevention. Furthermore, the current inspection program was designed in the 1930s when the threat of diseased animals and physical contaminants were the main concerns. Today, microbiological and chemical contamination, which cannot be seen, are of greater interest. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently mandated HACCP for the nation's 7,000 meat and poultry plants.