Development of methods for standardised HACCP assessment

Purpose – Assessment of HACCP systems is a key element in assuring the effective management of food safety. However, there is no accepted approach or common methodology available to HACCP practitioners, auditors or regulatory bodies. This paper seeks to examine this situationDesign/methodology/approach – This paper reviews previous approaches to HACCP audit and describes developments in audit and audit methods based on a long‐term study of HACCP in a multinational organisation.Findings – The proposed audit tools provide a useful method for collection of data on the effectiveness of HACCP plans and their implementation.Research limitations/implications – Limitations of using this approach are identified and discussed.Originality/value – New audit tools for validation and verification of HACCP effectiveness are proposed.