Implementation of HACCP system in the region of Eastern Macedonia

Food production is a complex process that incorporates many factors whose main goal is getting health safety, quality and hygienic wholesome food products. Guaranteed food security, proven through the implementation of European standards, is a crucial requirement for the placement of products in European markets. Considering the fact that Macedonia is directed towards EU membership, and is now a member of the WTO (World Trade Organization) as a developing country, it is very important to have a position in the establishment of standards about production of safe food. The part of the production of safe food known as “Risk Analysis and Critical Control Points” or HACCP is rapidly introduced as a legal regulation in all developing countries and Macedonia has introduced such a by law in 2002. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the licensing and inspection procedures are in accordance with the standard plans for assessment of implementation of HACCP in Eastern Macedonia. The analysis is made on the basis of the given answers to the questionnaire of 40 food business operators, and based on general observations and suggestions by the Agency for Food and Veterinary in Probistip. The results of this survey indicate a lack of implementation of HACCP system in the region of Eastern Macedonia as a result of insufficient knowledge and financial resources as well as of insufficient indication of the inspection services to the advantages and proper implementation of the system. In conclusion, this paper proposes actions to be taken for better implementation of the HACCP system by food manufacturers in the Republic of Macedonia, which will influence positively for better health of the consumers.