Which HACCP principle is concerned with maintaining records of the HACCP plan and monitoring results?

• A. Establish monitoring requirements
• B. Establish record keeping procedures
• C. Conduct hazard analysis
• D. Establish verification procedures

Answer: (B)

Maintaining records and documentation is all about creating a traceable history of how the HACCP plan is put into practice, including the ongoing monitoring results and any deviations or corrective actions taken. This principle ensures that there is a complete, organized record set that can be reviewed during audits, by regulators, or for internal verification. Good record-keeping supports accountability, helps identify trends, and proves that controls are being followed as planned.

The focus of monitoring requirements is on how to monitor and what to monitor, rather than on keeping records themselves. Hazard analysis is about identifying potential hazards and their significance. Verification procedures involve confirming that the HACCP plan is correctly implemented and that monitoring and corrective actions are effective, which uses records but isn’t primarily about the act of keeping them.