HACCP & Successful Market Leader

Becky Cheung
Chairlady (2002-2003) of  
Hong Kong Food Science & Technology Association
Best Key Consultants    

Abstract: In light of the recent frequent food poisoning outbreaks and food safety crisis in both China and Hong Kong. We, HKFSTA, have the obligation to assist our members and food associates to prevent such crisis arising from your own business. We believe that food safety is far too important for the food related businesses to play your cards right. This article reports some food poisoning outbreaks in both China and Hong Kong throughout September and October 2004, which are really the tip of the ice-berg, and HACCP system is far too important to be ignored.  

In order to be a market leader, you have to build a strong brand and also a brand image of highest product quality. One food poisoning outbreak can destroy a business. World Health Organization has recently reported that there are no less than two billions people fell ill or died as a result of food poisoning outbreaks every year. This figure is continuously increasing. There have been 268 reported food poisoning cases just in the first half of 2004 with over 1100 people affected in HK.

There were a few serious food poisoning outbreaks reported in China during September and October 2004, listed below:      

Case 1. Over 200 people went into 8 different hospitals suffering from diarrhea and fever after consuming contaminated sandwiches. The Department of Health ordered the food company to close all 24 chain stores immediately for hygiene condition improvement.    

Case 2. There were 164 students suffered from vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea after drinking contaminated chocolate milk supplied by a local dairy company.      

Case 3. Over 150 guests suffered from food poisoning after attending a wedding banquet. The restaurant was ordered to close for improvement on hygiene conditions.    

Case 4. Just within one day of the beginning of school term, over 180 students from 3 different schools and colleges developed serious food poisoning symptoms after eating food prepared from the school canteen. There were flies and polluted drinking water found at those kitchens.

Original contents of case 1 to 4 extracted from newspapaer (Chinese version only)

The above news are extracted from Oriental Daily News. This is only a tip of the ice-berg. There are many more food poisoning cases not being reported in both China and HK everyday. A solution to this problem is the application of food safety management system and close monitoring.  

Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Point (HACCP) is one of the best food safety management systems developed by Pillsbury and NASA in 1959. HACCP has been widely applied by food companies all over the world and the range of business covers from food manufacturing, catering, retailing, sourcing, warehousing, drug manufacturing, logistic and distribution.  

In China , a list of food categories whose exporters need to have HACCP registration by law with effect from 20 May 2002, including canned food, processed seafood, meat and meat products, frozen vegetables, processed fruit/vegetable juice, convenient food which contain meat and seafood content.

  In Hong Kong , it is voluntarily implemented but highly recommended to those processors of high risk food such as Sushi central processing, central kitchen, industrial food processors and lunch box provider.  

Throughout my 18 years of quality management experience in UK , HK, and China , I strong believe HACCP system is the best key to success in your business. This is a cost effective way to minimize risk and maximize profit as a result of building a strong quality brand image.