Can food flow diagrams be hand-drawn as long as they depict the actual production process steps?

Food flow diagrams are essential components of the HACCP system, as they visually represent the steps involved in food processing from receiving raw materials to serving the final product. The key purpose of these diagrams is to clearly outline the stages of food production, identify potential hazards at each step, and ensure that all critical control points are effectively monitored.

Hand-drawn diagrams are acceptable as long as they accurately reflect the actual production process steps. The critical aspect is the accuracy and clarity of the information conveyed, which enables food safety teams to analyze potential hazards properly. While digital representations can provide benefits like easier updates and sharing, the method of creation does not diminish the importance of the diagram's content. Therefore, hand-drawn food flow diagrams can be an effective tool in HACCP training, provided that they are drawn accurately and can be understood by the team involved in food safety practices.