Which HACCP principle involves confirming that the system is working as intended?

• A. Establish record keeping procedures
• B. Identify critical control points
• C. Establish critical limits
• D. Establish verification procedures

Answer: (D)

Verification is the step that confirms the HACCP plan is functioning as designed. It involves activities that prove the system is actually working, not just that controls exist. For example, reviewing monitoring records to ensure controls are being followed, conducting audits to check that the plan is being implemented correctly, and validating that the chosen critical limits and monitoring methods are appropriate. These actions provide evidence that the preventive controls are effectively preventing, eliminating, or reducing hazards in practice, and that any changes in process or product are still under control.

Keeping records supports the system, but it’s verification that confirms the overall effectiveness of the HACCP plan. Identifying critical control points shows where control is needed, and establishing critical limits sets the thresholds for control; both are essential, but they don’t by themselves prove the system is working like verification does.