3 replies to this topic

[QARegulatoryProfessional]

I work for a facility that carries spices and teas. Many of the spices are mixed together for a seasoning blend, while the teas are only repackaged. Although these products go through the same general flow through the facility is it necessary to conduct two hazard analyses to cover each (one for spices, one for teas, etc.)? 

[Charles.C]

I work for a facility that carries spices and teas. Many of the spices are mixed together for a seasoning blend, while the teas are only repackaged. Although these products go through the same general flow through the facility is it necessary to conduct two hazard analyses to cover each (one for spices, one for teas, etc.)? 

 

Hi QARP,

 

It may depend on whether a specific FS Standard is involved ?

 

May need more context to answer.

 

Sounds like the typical process is receiving various raw spices x1,x2,x3 etc, then having same/similar process (P1) implemented on each raw material x, then mixing the (processed)  x1/x2, x1x3, etc and packing the respective combination mixes.

Plus separately you have numerous invidual raw teas having same/similar process P2 (same as P1 ?) implemented on them but no mixing before packing.

 

The sharing of same hazard analysis likely depends on (a) similarity of P1/P2, (b) similarity of hazard profiles of raw materials of x1,x2,etc and (c) notably whether same CCP(s) are involved.

 

Are there any CCPs ?

 

Traditional haccp allows considerable flexibility for grouping analogous processes as seen in foodservice operations.

[Ryan M.]

Just by your description I would say you would need two, separate plans.

[CMHeywood]

Without more details, there might be enough differences in the spice vs. tea processing steps to justify two separate HACCP plans.

 

However, the hazard analysis is per each processing step.  The total of all the hazards and their controls is the basis for the HACCP plan.

 

You might be able to incorporate into one flowchart (with branching) which might allow for one HACCP Plan:

Process     Tea     Spices

Receiving   Yes     Yes

Storage       Yes    Yes

Unpacking   Yes    Yes

Mixing          No     Yes  (two branches in flowchart)

Packing       Yes    Yes (branches combine back into one process flow)

Shipping      Yes    Yes