Pursuant To: North Carolina Food Code Manual, Sections 8-201.13 and 3-502.12
Source: Larry D. Michael, REHS, MPH Chief, Environmental Health Section
Question: Who Should Review HACCP Plans from Franchised or Chain Food Establishments?
Discussion and Rationale:
The North Carolina Food Code Manual, Section 8-201.13, states in part, “Before engaging in an activity that requires a HACCP PLAN, a PERMIT applicant or PERMIT HOLDER shall submit to the REGULATORY AUTHORITY for approval a properly prepared HACCP PLAN as specified under §8-201.14.” Section 3-502.12 provides requirements for REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING without a VARIANCE and only a HACCP PLAN. If the criteria in Section 3-502.12 are met, a VARIANCE is not required and the HACCP PLAN would be submitted to the REGULATORY AUTHORITY for approval. Based on feedback from local health departments and industry there is a lack of trained personnel throughout the state and this has caused delayed approval of HACCP PLANS and inconsistency between counties.
Response / Interpretation:
- A committee will be immediately formed to review HACCP PLANS for franchised or chain FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS. In addition, this committee will develop an application to be used by the franchised or chain FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS when submitting a request for approval.
- The committee will be comprised of HACCP-trained representatives from state and local public health agencies.
- The HACCP PLANS for franchised or chain FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS shall be submitted for review and approval to the HACCP Committee, Environmental Health Section, NC Division of Public Health, 1632 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699.
- If the franchised or chain FOOD ESTABLISHMENT currently has a HACCP PLAN it will be evaluated by the committee to ensure all the requirements of the North Carolina Food Code Manual are addressed.
References:
Rules Governing the Food Protection and Sanitation of Food Establishments, 15A NCAC 18A .2600 North Carolina Food Code Manual
NOTE: Position statements are policy documents to clarify how to interpret or enforce a law or rule. They are not enforceable on their own, but are intended to promote uniform interpretation and enforcement of the underlying law or rule.