What does the acronym CCP stand for in HACCP?

The acronym CCP in HACCP stands for Critical Control Point. This term is fundamental to the HACCP system, which is a structured approach to food safety that focuses on identifying and controlling potential hazards in food production processes. Critical Control Points are specific stages in the process where control measures can be applied to prevent, eliminate, or reduce food safety hazards to an acceptable level. These points are critical because if a hazard is not controlled at this stage, it could lead to unsafe food products. Understanding and implementing CCPs are essential for ensuring the safety of food from biological, chemical, and physical hazards throughout its production and handling.