Biological, chemical and physical hazards

assessed with HACCP

Part of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan is a
comprehensive hazard assessment.

July 18, 2013 - Author: Jeannine Schweihofer, Michigan State University

Extension and Sarah Wells, MSU departments of Animal Science & Food Science
and Human Nutrition

A Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan includes many
components and is based on seven principles. The first step is to conduct a hazard
analysis. This becomes a critical step as it then serves as the basis for the rest of the
plan. Hazards are identified as part of the hazard analysis and then evaluated on
their likelihood to occur and the severity at which it could cause illness or injury.

All hazards are assessed and categorized into three groups: biological, chemical and
physical hazards. A general definition of a hazard as related to food safety is
conditions or contaminants that can cause illness or injury.

Biological hazards include microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, yeasts, molds

and parasites. Some of these are pathogens or may produce toxins. A pathogenic
microorganism causes disease and can vary in the degree of severity. Examples of
biological hazards include Salmonella, E. coli and Clostridium botulinum.

Chemical hazards vary in the aspect of production they are related to. Some
potential chemical hazards could be prior to a processor receiving product, such as
the improper use of pesticides or antimicrobial residues. Others could be chemicals
used on processing equipment such as oils used on equipment or sanitizers.
Furthermore, other potential chemical hazards may include substances that are safe
or used in processing at certain levels but can cause illness or injury if consumed at
too high of a concentration, such as sodium nitrite or antimicrobial solutions used in
intervention steps. The HACCP team will need to evaluate in the hazard analysis the
likelihood of the chemical to cause illness or injury. Generally, an operation’s
Standard Operating Procedures will address the acceptable use of products which
could become hazards if not properly handled and monitored.

Physical hazards include objects that are hard or sharp such as glass, metal, plastic,
stones, pits, wood, or even bone. Physical hazards can lead to injuries such as
choking, cuts, or broken teeth. Some foreign material in food products may not be a
physical hazard but rather an undesirable foreign material such as hair, insects, or
sand that are not likely to cause injuries.

To learn more about conducting a hazard analysis and the types of hazards
associated with food production, register for Development and Implementation of
HACCP and Prerequisite Programs training conducted by Michigan State University
Extension on August 26-27, 2013 in East Lansing, Mich. This will be a certificate
course in the Introduction to HACCP as accredited by the International HACCP
Alliance.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more
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