The ______ is used as a framework for the seven HACCP principles.

The process flow chart serves as a framework for the seven HACCP principles by visually representing the steps involved in the production or handling of food. This chart allows HACCP teams to identify potential hazards at each stage of the process, facilitating a better understanding of where control measures should be applied. Through mapping out the workflow, the team can pinpoint critical control points (CCPs) and establish monitoring procedures, making it an essential tool in implementing the HACCP system effectively.

While the FDA Food Code provides guidelines and recommendations for maintaining food safety, it does not specifically serve as the framework for the seven principles. Verification involves confirming that the HACCP system is functioning effectively but does not represent the entire framework itself. The US government plays a role in establishing regulations and guidelines around food safety, but it is not a direct framework for the HACCP principles. The process flow chart is crucial because it lays the groundwork for a systematic analysis of hazards, which is foundational to the implementation and success of a HACCP plan.