23 Sep HACCP Plans vs. Food Safety Plans
If you’re starting or growing a food business, one of the most important requirements you’ll face is developing a strong food safety plan. Depending on your product and where you operate, you may need a HACCP plan or a Preventive Controls Food Safety Plan to stay compliant with FDA or USDA regulations. While the two are often confused, they serve different purposes in protecting consumers and your business.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between HACCP plans and food safety plans, why they matter, and how to determine which one your company needs.
What is a HACCP Plan?
A HACCP plan (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is a structured system for identifying and controlling food safety hazards. It focuses on specific steps in your production process where risks like pathogens, allergens, or contamination could occur.
A HACCP plan includes:
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Hazard analysis
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Critical Control Points (CCPs)
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Critical limits
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Monitoring procedures
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Corrective actions
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Verification procedures
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Recordkeeping
HACCP plans are required for certain food categories, including:
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Juice and seafood (FDA)
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Meat and poultry (USDA)
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Certain low-acid canned foods
If you’re producing in one of these industries, you must have a HACCP plan reviewed by a qualified individual.
What is a Food Safety Plan?
Under the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), most food businesses are required to implement a Preventive Controls Food Safety Plan. This plan goes beyond traditional HACCP by addressing a wider range of risks, including supply chain hazards and allergen controls.
A food safety plan must include:
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Hazard analysis (biological, chemical, and physical)
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Preventive controls (process, allergen, sanitation, supply chain)
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Monitoring and verification
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Corrective actions
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A recall plan
Unlike HACCP, which is product-specific, a food safety plan is facility-wide and applies to nearly all FDA-regulated food businesses that don’t already fall under HACCP rules.
Key Differences Between HACCP and Food Safety Plans
| Feature | HACCP Plan | Food Safety Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Required By | FDA (juice, seafood), USDA (meat, poultry) | FDA (most other foods under FSMA) |
| Focus | Process-specific hazards | Facility-wide hazards |
| Controls | Critical Control Points | Preventive Controls (broader scope) |
| Recall Plan | Not required | Required |
| Documentation | CCP monitoring records | Comprehensive plan including supply chain verification |
Do You Need a HACCP Plan or a Food Safety Plan?
The type of plan you need depends on:
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Your product (seafood, juice, meat, poultry = HACCP required)
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Your facility type (FDA-registered food facility = Food Safety Plan required)
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Market requirements (some retailers require HACCP certification even if not mandated)
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult a food safety professional who can assess your business and guide you to compliance.
Why These Plans Matter
Whether it’s a HACCP plan or a food safety plan, the goal is the same: to keep your food safe and your business protected. Non-compliance can result in:
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Product recalls
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FDA or USDA warning letters
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Loss of retail partners
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Damage to your brand’s reputation
Having the right food safety documentation in place also builds consumer trust and helps your business scale into new markets.
How United Food Labs Can Help
At United Food Labs, we specialize in developing HACCP plans and food safety plans that meet FDA, USDA, and Health Canada requirements. Our team of certified food scientists ensures your documentation is compliant, practical, and tailored to your operations.
Whether you’re launching a snack bar, beverage, sauce, or pet food product, we’ll help you navigate the regulatory landscape with confidence.
📞 Contact us today at 818-749-2751 or info@unitedfoodlabs.com to get started on your HACCP or food safety plan.