HACCP Plan Audit Checklist

What is a HACCP audit? A HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) audit is a systematic review of a food safety management system to verify it effectively controls biological, chemical, and physical hazards. Per FDA 21 CFR 120 (juices) and 21 CFR 123 (seafood), HACCP plans are mandatory for certain food categories. This checklist verifies proper implementation of all 7 HACCP principles and prerequisite programs.

Industry: Food Manufacturing / Food Service
Frequency: Annually / Semi-annually / After significant changes
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
Role: HACCP Coordinator / Quality Manager / Food Safety Auditor
Total Items: 72
Compliance: FDA 21 CFR 120 (Juice HACCP), FDA 21 CFR 123 (Seafood HACCP), Codex Alimentarius CAC/RCP 1-1969, FSMA Preventive Controls, ISO 22000

HACCP Team & Management Commitment

Principle 1 prerequisite: Verify HACCP team composition and management support.

HACCP team formally assembled?
All team members trained in HACCP principles?
Training records on file and current?
HACCP team leader designated?
Written management commitment to food safety?
Adequate resources allocated for HACCP?
HACCP team meeting records maintained?

Product Description & Intended Use

Verify complete product descriptions and intended use statements.

Written product descriptions for all products?
Intended use clearly defined?
Shelf life validated and documented?
Storage conditions specified?
Allergens identified in product descriptions?
Vulnerable consumer groups identified?

Process Flow Diagrams

Verify accurate, verified flow diagrams for all processes.

Flow diagrams exist for all products/processes?
Flow diagrams accurate and current?
Flow diagrams verified on production floor?
All steps from receiving to shipping included?
Rework loops clearly shown?
Inputs and outputs clearly identified?

Principle 1: Hazard Analysis

Verify comprehensive hazard analysis for biological, chemical, and physical hazards.

Written hazard analysis on file?
Biological hazards identified at each step?
Chemical hazards identified?
Physical hazards identified?
Hazard severity assessed?
Likelihood of occurrence assessed?
Significant hazards clearly identified?
Control measures identified for significant hazards?

Principle 2: Critical Control Points (CCPs)

Verify CCPs properly identified using decision tree or equivalent method.

CCPs identified using systematic method?
CCP determination decisions documented?
CCPs uniquely numbered/identified?
CCPs clearly marked on flow diagrams?
CCP identification validated?
CCPs appropriate for identified hazards?

Principle 3: Critical Limits

Verify scientifically validated critical limits at each CCP.

Critical limits established for each CCP?
Critical limits measurable and observable?
Critical limits scientifically validated?
Validation records on file?
Critical limits meet regulatory requirements?
Operating limits established to avoid CL deviation?

Principle 4: Monitoring Procedures

Verify monitoring procedures are adequate and being followed.

Written monitoring procedures for each CCP?
What is monitored clearly defined?
How monitoring is done clearly defined?
Monitoring frequency adequate?
Person responsible for monitoring identified?
Monitoring personnel trained?
Monitoring records complete and accurate?
Monitoring allows real-time decisions?
Monitoring equipment calibrated?

Principle 5: Corrective Actions

Verify corrective action procedures address deviations effectively.

Written corrective action procedures for each CCP?
Product disposition addressed?
Procedure to identify deviation cause?
Steps to prevent recurrence included?
Responsibility for CA clearly defined?
Corrective action records maintained?
Corrective actions taken promptly?
Corrective actions verified effective?

Principle 6: Verification Procedures

Verify the HACCP system is working as intended.

Written verification procedures?
Monitoring activities verified?
Equipment calibration verified?
Product testing conducted?
Environmental testing conducted?
Records review conducted regularly?
Internal HACCP audits conducted?
Annual HACCP plan reassessment completed?

Principle 7: Recordkeeping

Verify adequate documentation and record retention.

Complete HACCP plan documented?
Monitoring records maintained?
Corrective action records maintained?
Verification records maintained?
Records signed/initialed by responsible person?
Records include date and time?
Record retention meets requirements (min 2 years)?
Records accessible for review?

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Why Use This HACCP Plan Audit Checklist?

This haccp plan audit checklist helps food manufacturing / food service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for haccp coordinator / quality manager / food safety auditor professionals, this checklist covers 72 critical inspection points across 10 sections. Recommended frequency: annually / semi-annually / after significant changes.

Ensures compliance with FDA 21 CFR 120 (Juice HACCP), FDA 21 CFR 123 (Seafood HACCP), Codex Alimentarius CAC/RCP 1-1969, FSMA Preventive Controls, ISO 22000, BRC Global Standard, SQF Code, EC 852/2004 (EU), FSSAI FSMS (India). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the HACCP Plan Audit Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 72 inspection items across 10 sections: HACCP Team & Management Commitment, Product Description & Intended Use, Process Flow Diagrams, Principle 1: Hazard Analysis, Principle 2: Critical Control Points (CCPs), Principle 3: Critical Limits, Principle 4: Monitoring Procedures, Principle 5: Corrective Actions, Principle 6: Verification Procedures, Principle 7: Recordkeeping. It is designed for food manufacturing / food service operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annually / semi-annually / after significant changes. Each completion takes approximately 2-4 hours.

Who should use this HACCP Plan Audit Checklist?

This checklist is designed for HACCP Coordinator / Quality Manager / Food Safety Auditor professionals in the food manufacturing / food service industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.