Is HACCP required by law?

Is HACCP required by law?

HACCP is required by law in many different countries.

In the USA – yes

In the USA, USDA requires processing plants to be HACCP compliant, and such requirement is codified in section 418 of the U.S. Federal Code. Because the U.S. is a primary meat supplier to Canada, and because of increasing pressure from the WTO (World Trade Organization) to conform to international standards on food safety, there are signs that Canada may soon require HACCP as well.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces the hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) system for foods under its jurisdiction, which includes meat, poultry, and fresh produce. All food facilities that are required to register with FDA must maintain a HACCP plan to show how they will produce safe food consistently. This regulation is found in Part 108 of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). www2a.cdc.

In Canada – no

Under the proposed new Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Act, HACCP is not mandatory. Also, section 19 of the proposed CFIA Act already states that no new regulation may be made by the agency without first being approved by the Prime Minister.

In Europe – yes (1) and no (2)

(1) European Union has HACCP as a compulsory requirement for all food imported into the EU. The EU is now by far the biggest importer of Canadian meat products, so this issue does affect Canadian processors. In fact, HACCP is mandated in the European Union no matter where the plant is located in the world. (2) However, there are some countries within the EU that are not required to have HACCP plans (i.e. Germany).

In Australia – yes

Australian law, under the Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code, requires all food business operators to have a HACCP food safety system. This includes all organizations that produce, process, store, and supply regulated food to end consumers in Australia.

In Japan – yes

USDA allows U.S. processors to export meat products to Japan if they are processed according to HACCP regulations, which are stricter than normal conditions of USDA inspection (inspection would not be required).

In Hong Kong – yes

HACCP was mandatory in Hong Kong until 1998 but has since fallen out of use. No longer mandated, HACCP is still used to maintain the safety of imported meat products.

In China – yes

China requires HACCP for imported meat products. The law says that the contents of a HACCP system must be based upon scientific principles and be demonstrated by means of a written plan. Products imported into China must also be clearly labeled as HACCP products or they will not be allowed entry into the country.

In Russia – no

Russia does not require HACCP.

In Singapore – no

Singapore does not have HACCP for imported meat products.

In Thailand – yes

Thailand now requires HACCP for imported meat products. Firms importing meat products into Thailand must prove they are HACCP-compliant before the products can be legally sold in Thailand.*

In South Korea – yes

South Korea requires HACCP for imported meat products. The law states that a HACCP system must be based upon scientific principles and be demonstrated by means of a written plan. Products imported into South Korea must also be clearly labeled as HACCP products or they will not be allowed entry into the country.

In Taiwan – yes

Taiwan requires HACCP for imported meat products. The law states that a HACCP system must be based upon scientific principles and be demonstrated by means of a written plan. Products imported into Taiwan must also be clearly labeled as HACCP products or they will not be allowed entry into the country.

In India – no

After a HACCP-aligned system was implemented, the Indian government decided to drop the requirement for imported meat products.

In Mexico – yes

HACCP is required for meat products exported into Mexico.

In Thailand – yes

Thailand now requires HACCP for imported meat products. Firms importing meat products into Thailand must prove they are HACCP-compliant before the products can be legally sold in Thailand.

In Korea – yes

Korea accepted foreign food safety systems, including HACCP, as a basis for the importation of processed foods from overseas companies in 1998. This was due to the implementation of mandatory HACCP systems by both the USA and Canada under strict guidelines set forth by NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement). Korean regulations are based on the Codex Alimentarius standards. The Korea Food and Drug Administration is tasked with enforcing these strict guidelines. Products that fail to meet the HACCP guidelines or fail to carry the proper HACCP label may not be allowed entry into Korea.

In Egypt – yes

The Egyptian Food and Drug Administration is now requiring HACCP for meat products entering the country.

In Saudi Arabia – yes

Saudi Arabia requires HACCP for imported meat products. The law states that a HACCP system must be based upon scientific principles and be demonstrated by means of a written plan. Products imported into Saudi Arabia must also be clearly labeled as HACCP products or they will not be allowed entry into the country.

In China – yes

China requires HACCP for meat products entering the country. The law states that a HACCP system must be based upon scientific principles and be demonstrated by means of a written plan. Products imported into China must also be clearly labeled as HACCP products or they will not be allowed entry into the country.

In Pakistan – yes

Pakistan now requires HACCP for meat products entering the country. The law states that a HACCP system must be based upon scientific principles and be demonstrated by means of a written plan. Products imported into Pakistan must also be clearly labeled as HACCP products or they will not be allowed entry into the country.

In Vietnam – yes

Vietnam requires HACCP for meat products entering the country. The law states that a HACCP system must be based upon scientific principles and be demonstrated by means of a written plan. Products imported into Vietnam must also be clearly labeled as HACCP products or they will not be allowed entry into the country.

in United emirates – yes

The United Emirates has passed a law requiring HACCP for all meat products entering the country. The law states that a HACCP system must be based upon scientific principles and be demonstrated by means of a written plan. Products imported into the UAE must also be clearly labeled as HACCP products or they will not be allowed entry into the country.

In Israel – yes

The Israeli Ministry of Health now requires HACCP for all meat products entering the country. The law states that a HACCP system must be based upon scientific principles and be demonstrated by means of a written plan. Products imported into Israel must also be clearly labeled as HACCP products or they will not be allowed entry into the country.

In Bahrain – yes

Bahrain requires HACCP for meat products entering the country. The law states that a HACCP system must be based upon scientific principles and be demonstrated by means of a written plan.

In Iran – yes

Iran has adopted HACCP as a mandatory requirement for meat products. The law states that a HACCP system must be based upon scientific principles and be demonstrated by means of a written plan. Products imported into Iran must also be clearly labeled as HACCP products or they will not be allowed entry into the country.

In Jordan – yes

Jordan now requires HACCP for meat products entering the country. The law states that a HACCP system must be based upon scientific principles and be demonstrated by means of a written plan. Products imported into Jordan must also be clearly labeled as HACCP products or they will not be allowed entry into the country.

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