The article is now available online, but not yet formally published.

Western Growers led a recent article published in the Journal of Food Protection, introducing Testing Program Critical Control Points (TP-CCP). The TP-CCP framework complements existing food safety systems, such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventative Controls (HARPC), to identify and mitigate potential risks more effectively.

Highlights:

• Focuses on the TP-CCP framework and the evaluation and optimization of testing programs.
• Includes sampling, testing, monitoring and record-keeping principles.
• Establishes TP-CCP as a feedback loop for critical evaluation of testing programs.
• Enhances risk assessment with robust evaluation of microbiological methods.
• Proposes pilot testing for TP-CCP validation across diverse food industries.

By incorporating TP-CCP into current safety protocols, the food industry can enhance its ability to detect and address hazards, mitigate risk and make significant advancements in a healthier and safer food supply.

To read the full article, click here.