Critical Control Points (CCPs) Requirements for HACCP Systems

Guidance Aligned with Codex HACCP Principles and Global Food Safety Best Practices

Published by HACCP Systems | A Service by Consultare Inc. Group – A Compliance Company

Food businesses—ranging from food manufacturers, processors, distributors, to food service operators—must control specific points in their processes where hazards can be prevented, eliminated, or reduced to acceptable levels. Identifying and managing Critical Control Points (CCPs) ensures that product safety is maintained and regulatory compliance is achieved.

This guide provides a practical checklist inspired by globally recognized HACCP principles, Codex Alimentarius guidelines, and GFSI-benchmarked certification frameworks. It is intended to support facilities implementing, updating, or auditing their HACCP systems.

Critical Control Points Compliance Checklist

Identification of CCPs

Review process flow diagrams and hazard analysis to locate potential CCPs

Apply decision-tree methodology to confirm each CCP

Ensure each CCP is measurable, practical, and effective

Document the rationale for CCP designation

Assigning Responsibility for CCPs

Define team members responsible for monitoring and maintaining each CCP

Ensure responsibilities are clearly communicated and understood

Provide training for staff to perform CCP checks accurately

Critical Limit Definition at Each CCP

Establish measurable limits (time, temperature, pH, water activity) for safe operation

Validate critical limits using scientific literature, regulatory guidance, or historical data

Ensure measurement devices are calibrated and functional

Monitoring of CCPs

Determine monitoring frequency and methods for each CCP

Ensure monitoring is conducted in real time or at defined intervals

Maintain records of monitoring results for compliance and verification

Corrective Actions for Deviations

Define actions when a CCP exceeds critical limits

 Isolate, reprocess, or discard affected product as needed

Conduct root cause analysis and update procedures to prevent recurrence

Document all corrective actions and outcomes

Verification and Review

Confirm CCP effectiveness through periodic audits and reviews

Validate that monitoring procedures consistently detect deviations

Update CCPs when new hazards, products, or processes are introduced

Maintain comprehensive records of CCP verification and adjustments

Allergen Management (If Applicable)

Identify potential allergens in raw materials and finished products

Implement controls to prevent cross-contact during processing

Label products accurately to inform customers of allergen presence

Food Fraud and Food Defense Risk Mitigation

Conduct vulnerability assessments to identify potential fraud risks

Develop and implement mitigation strategies to protect against intentional adulteration

Secure facilities to prevent unauthorized access and tampering

Crisis Management & Recall Preparedness

Develop a crisis management plan outlining roles and responsibilities

Establish procedures for product recall and withdrawal

Conduct mock recalls to test the effectiveness of recall procedures

Audit & Validation Activities

Perform internal audits to assess compliance with food safety requirements

Validate control measures to ensure they effectively manage identified hazards

Address non-conformities promptly and implement corrective actions

Corrective Actions & Continuous Improvement

Establish a system for identifying and correcting non-conformities

Analyze root causes to prevent recurrence of issues

Review and update food safety practices regularly to drive continuous improvement

End-to-End HACCP Compliance & Audit-Ready Services

HACCP Service Description Price Action
CCP Identification Workshop Decision-tree mapping, hazard review & CCP designation to meet Codex and GFSI benchmarks. $499/session Get Started
Critical Limit Validation Validate critical limits using scientific literature, regulatory standards, and calibration records. $799/project Get Started
CCP Monitoring Logs Setup monitoring logs (digital or paper) for temperature, pH, metal detection, or process controls. $399/module Get Started
Corrective Action Program Root-cause analysis, rework/isolation procedure, deviation response planning & compliance reporting. $699/project Get Started
CCP Verification & Review Validation checks, periodic review, system audit, performance evaluation and calibration verification. $899/site/month Get Started
HACCP Toolkit Includes monitoring logs, CCP flowcharts, corrective action forms, validation sheets, and audit templates. $1,200 one-time Get Started

Support for CCP Implementation & HACCP Compliance

HACCP Systems provides structured solutions to help organizations identify, monitor, and manage CCPs effectively:

       • CCP identification and decision-tree templates

       • Critical limit documentation forms and validation tools

       • Monitoring log templates (paper or digital)

       • Corrective action tracking forms

       • CCP audit and verification checklists

       • Training materials for staff assigned to CCP monitoring

Let us simplify CCP management so you can maintain a safe, auditable, and compliant food safety system.

Ready to Establish Effective Critical Control Points?

We can help you develop a system that protects your products, meets regulatory expectations, and is audit-ready.

Book Your Free Consultation Today

Request a Sample HACCP Toolkit

Get a Custom Proposal for Your Facility

Reference Note

This content is adapted from publicly available HACCP principles and compliance requirements referenced in Codex Alimentarius, FDA guidance, and GFSI-recognized certification frameworks. For formal certification or regulatory compliance, facilities must follow official guidance from the respective authorities.

Disclaimer

HACCP Systems is an independent service provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or certified under any HACCP or GFSI program. References to Codex, FDA, or GFSI frameworks are for educational and informational purposes only.