What is the purpose of the verification step in HACCP?

The verification step in HACCP is crucial as it involves confirming that the HACCP plan is effectively addressing and controlling food safety hazards. This ensures that the critical control points are functioning as intended and that the established procedures are effectively preventing, eliminating, or reducing identified hazards to safe levels.

This step typically involves activities such as reviewing monitoring records, conducting audits, and performing product testing to validate that the system is working properly. By verifying the effectiveness of the HACCP plan, organizations can maintain confidence in their food safety systems, ensure compliance with regulations, and safeguard public health.

The other options, while relevant to overall food safety and quality management, do not capture the primary purpose of the verification step in the HACCP process. Staff education focuses on training personnel, supplier reviews ensure compliance with procurement requirements, and establishing new critical limits relates to adjustments in the plan rather than validating its current effectiveness.