What is the purpose of verification in HACCP?

• A. To confirm that the HACCP plan is working effectively and that records and processes are accurate and complete.
• B. To ensure HACCP plan is strictly followed by staff, regardless of records.
• C. To identify new hazards not covered by the plan.
• D. To replace the verification step with sensory checks.

Answer: (A)

Verification in HACCP is about confirming that the plan is being implemented effectively and that the records and processes show this is true. It goes beyond simply following procedures day to day; it involves checking that monitoring is actually happening, CCPs are kept under control, equipment is calibrated, and corrective actions are taken and documented when deviations occur. Verification provides evidence that the HACCP system as a whole is functioning as intended and continuing to control hazards.

This differs from validation, which is about establishing, before implementation, that the plan can control the hazards it’s designed to manage. It also isn’t about discovering new hazards or substituting formal verification with sensory checks; identifying new hazards relates to hazard analysis and re-evaluation, while sensory checks alone are not a substitute for the systematic verification process.