Research project NO/B/009 (Research action NO)
The principal goal of this programme is to improve the competitiveness of Belgian agro-alimentary enterprises by assisting them to install HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) to bring them in line with EEC directive 93/43 which has applied to Belgium since the beginning of 1996.
The final objective is to set up monitoring and control systems and undertake corrective actions to ensure total product safety (ISO 9000).
HACCP is a preventive approach which is intended to identify and master every kind of hazard (microbiological, physical and chemical) which might affect the safety of any given food product.
Agro-alimentary quality implies safety in the first place but it also involves health (nutritional value), satisfaction and service.
The customers of agro-alimentary enterprises also insist upon all-round mastery of the operations of the business. In achieving this, ISO 9000 quality assurance is a valuable, internationally recognized instrument.
The first goal of this project, consequently, is the installation of HACCP pilot systems to enable Belgian enterprises (particularly SMEs) to meet the requirements of the European directives.
We also propose, on the basis of HACCP pilot projects, to make the participating businesses aware of the internal and external benefits of installing quality assurance systems.
Those enterprises which already have an HACCP system will, in fact, find it easier to install quality assurance. The HACCP plan can constitute the kernel around which a company wide quality system, covering all the requirements of the current standards, can be developed.
When the pilot projects become effective they will serve as examples for compiling practical manuals on how to install an HACCP system.
The manuals will be the principal instruments for taking advantage of the experience of the pilot projects. They will be written with the agreement of the "Inspection des Denrées Alimentaires" and the "Fédération des Industries Alimentaires" (the Foodstuffs Inspectorate and the Federation of Food Businesses).
The expectation is that four objectives will be achieved :
- The installation of HACCP pilot projects;
- The development of standardized audit procedures for the verification of HACCP systems;
- Raising awareness of quality assurance systems;
- Drawing up practical manuals on how to install HACCP.
Their achievement will play a role in bringing Belgian foodstuffs businesses into line with the European directives and improve competitiveness at the European and even worldwide levels.
