Which step in the HACCP process involves verifying system effectiveness?

The step in the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) process that involves verifying system effectiveness is focused on ensuring that the critical control points (CCPs) are operating as intended and that they adequately control food safety hazards. This verification process is essential to confirm that the processes put in place to manage food safety risks are functioning properly and producing the desired outcomes.

Verification may include activities like reviewing monitoring records, calibrating measurement instruments, and conducting end-product testing to ensure that food safety measures are achieving their intended results. It serves as a checkpoint to confirm that the HACCP plan is followed and remains effective over time.

In contrast, monitoring refers to the ongoing observation and measurement of the CCPs to ensure they remain within established limits, while corrective actions are taken when monitoring indicates that a CCP is not under control. Record keeping is the documentation of the monitoring procedures and corrective actions taken, but it does not directly verify system effectiveness. Therefore, the emphasis on verifying that the entire HACCP system is working correctly lies within the verification step.