HACCP Plan Verification and Review Checklist [FREE PDF]

HACCP plan verification is mandated under FDA FSMA 21 CFR 117 Subpart C and Codex Alimentarius HACCP principles to confirm that the food safety system is operating as intended. Verification activities must include reviewing monitoring records, validating CCPs, and confirming corrective actions were properly executed and documented. Failure to maintain adequate HACCP verification records can result in FDA enforcement action, product recalls, and significant regulatory penalties.

  • Industry: Food Manufacturing
  • Frequency: Monthly
  • Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Role: HACCP Coordinator
  • Total Items: 36
  • Compliance: FDA FSMA 21 CFR 117 Subpart C, Codex Alimentarius HACCP Principles (CAC/RCP 1-1969), ISO 22000:2018 Section 8.8, SQF Code Edition 9 Module 2.4, BRC Global Standard Issue 9 Clause 2.7

HACCP Plan Documentation Review

Verify that the written HACCP plan is current, approved, and accessible to relevant personnel.

  • Is the current HACCP plan signed and dated by a responsible authority?
  • Has the HACCP plan been reviewed and updated within the last 12 months?
  • Does the plan include a complete product description and intended use statement?
  • Is a current, verified process flow diagram included and accurate for current operations?
  • Are all HACCP plan amendments documented with revision history?

Hazard Analysis Adequacy

Confirm the hazard analysis is comprehensive, science-based, and covers biological, chemical, and physical hazards.

  • Does the hazard analysis address biological, chemical, and physical hazards for each process step?
  • Are radiological hazards considered and addressed where applicable?
  • Is scientific or regulatory evidence cited for each identified significant hazard?
  • Does the hazard analysis account for intentional adulteration or economically motivated adulteration?
  • Is the hazard analysis outcome documented with a clear rationale for hazards not requiring a preventive control?

Critical Control Points and Critical Limits

Verify that CCPs are correctly identified and critical limits are scientifically validated.

  • Is each CCP clearly identified at the correct process step in the flow diagram?
  • Does each CCP have validated critical limits supported by scientific evidence or regulatory guidance?
  • Are operational limits (action levels) established above critical limits to allow corrective action before a deviation occurs?
  • Is validation documentation for each CCP critical limit retained and available for review?
  • Have critical limits been reviewed following any process, equipment, or ingredient changes?

CCP Monitoring Procedures

Confirm monitoring activities are properly defined, executed at correct frequency, and recorded accurately.

  • Are monitoring procedures documented with specific methods, frequency, and responsible personnel for each CCP?
  • Are monitoring records completed in real-time and signed by the operator at the point of monitoring?
  • Are monitoring instruments (e.g., thermometers, pH meters) calibrated at the required frequency with records?
  • Is there documented evidence that monitoring records are reviewed by a supervisor or HACCP Coordinator within 24 hours?
  • Are monitoring records retained for a minimum of 2 years and stored in a secure, accessible location?

Corrective Action Procedures

Ensure corrective action procedures are established, documented, and executed when critical limits are exceeded.

  • Are written corrective action procedures in place for each CCP covering product disposition and root cause?
  • Were all corrective action records from the review period completed, signed, and include affected product disposition?
  • Is there a documented process for notifying the HACCP Coordinator or management of any CCP deviation within 1 hour?
  • Have recurring corrective actions for the same CCP triggered a formal HACCP plan review or revalidation?
  • Are hold and release procedures for potentially affected product documented and consistently followed?

Verification and Validation Activities

Review all scheduled and completed verification activities including internal audits, calibration, and end-product testing.

  • Have all scheduled HACCP verification activities been completed and documented for the review period?
  • Has end-product or in-process microbiological testing been conducted and results reviewed against specifications?
  • Has an internal HACCP audit been conducted by a qualified auditor within the required schedule?
  • Are verification findings tracked in a corrective action log with due dates and responsible owners?
  • Has the HACCP team met within the last 12 months to formally review the HACCP plan?

Record Keeping and Personnel Training

Verify that all required records are maintained and HACCP personnel are adequately trained and qualified.

  • Are all HACCP records stored in an organized, retrievable format with appropriate access controls?
  • Is there documented evidence that the HACCP plan was developed or reviewed by a PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual)?
  • Do all personnel performing CCP monitoring activities have documented HACCP training records on file?
  • Are HACCP training records reviewed annually and refresher training provided when procedures change?
  • Are any outstanding non-conformances from the previous HACCP review fully closed with documented evidence?
  • Please note any additional observations, open issues, or recommendations from this HACCP plan verification.

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Why Use This HACCP Plan Verification and Review Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This haccp plan verification and review checklist [free pdf] helps food manufacturing teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for haccp coordinator professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with FDA FSMA 21 CFR 117 Subpart C, Codex Alimentarius HACCP Principles (CAC/RCP 1-1969), ISO 22000:2018 Section 8.8, SQF Code Edition 9 Module 2.4, BRC Global Standard Issue 9 Clause 2.7. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the HACCP Plan Verification and Review Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 7 sections: HACCP Plan Documentation Review, Hazard Analysis Adequacy, Critical Control Points and Critical Limits, CCP Monitoring Procedures, Corrective Action Procedures, Verification and Validation Activities, Record Keeping and Personnel Training. It is designed for food manufacturing operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this HACCP Plan Verification and Review Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for HACCP Coordinator professionals in the food manufacturing 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.

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