Your Complete Guide to Getting HACCP Certification

Most regulations require you to follow HACCP principles rather than hold a formal certificate. HACCP certification demonstrates your commitment to food safety, product quality, and compliance. It gives customers, regulators, and retailers clear assurance that your products are consistently safe.

If you’re asking yourself, “How do I get HACCP certification?” or “What is HACCP certification?”, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what HACCP certification really means, why it matters for your business, the steps involved, and how to avoid common pitfalls along the way. Keep reading and you’ll see how this certification can make a real difference for your brand and customers. 

What Is HACCP Certification? 

HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points. It’s a food safety management system that identifies, evaluates, and controls hazards in the food production process. The system relies on seven principles and 12 implementation steps, designed to prevent risks such as biological, chemical, or physical contamination. 

Many countries, including Canada and the U.S., require HACCP compliance by law in certain food sectors. The FDA recognizes HACCP as a cornerstone of food safety management, particularly in sectors like seafood and juice, and its principles underpin broader preventive control requirements.

In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency requires food businesses to implement a Preventive Control Plan (PCP) based on HACCP principles under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR).

When you earn HACCP certification, your business demonstrates its commitment to producing safe food that meets regulatory requirements. 

Seven Principles of HACCP

1. Conduct a Hazard Analysis – Identify potential biological, chemical, and physical hazards that could make food unsafe.
2. Determine the Critical Control Points (CCPs) – Find the steps where control is essential to prevent or reduce hazards.
3. Establish Critical Limits – Set measurable thresholds such as temperature or time for each CCP.
4. Establish Monitoring Procedures – Decide how you will measure and record compliance with critical limits.
5. Establish Corrective Actions – Plan what to do if monitoring shows a CCP is out of control.
6. Establish Verification Procedures – Confirm the system works as intended through audits, testing, and reviews.
7. Establish Record-Keeping and Documentation Procedures – Maintain accurate records to show compliance and traceability.

12 Implementation Steps of HACCP

1. Assemble the HACCP team
2. Describe the product
3. Identify the intended use
4. Construct a process flow diagram
5. On-site verification of the flow diagram
6. Conduct a hazard analysis
7. Determine the Critical Control Points (CCPs)
8. Establish critical limits for each CCP
9. Establish monitoring procedures
10. Establish corrective actions
11. Establish verification procedures
12. Establish record-keeping and documentation procedures that prevent risks such as biological, chemical, or physical contamination.

Why HACCP Certification Is Important for Your Business 

Earning a HACCP certification gives your company an edge in food safety and compliance. Moreover, by showing regulators, retailers, and consumers that your products are consistently safe, you build trust, credibility, and long-term confidence in the market. 

This process brings several benefits to your business, such as: 

• Improves operational efficiency and reduces waste
• Reduces foodborne illness risks by controlling hazards 
• Improves product quality and consistency across batches 
• Protects your brand reputation and builds stronger customer loyalty 
• Meets legal and regulatory requirements both locally and internationally 
• Opens doors to new markets, partnerships, and retail opportunities 

Without it, businesses risk costly recalls, financial penalties, and even loss of market access. On the other hand, with the HACCP certification in place, you gain a framework that safeguards food safety and supports long‑term business growth. 

How to Get HACCP Certification (Applying the 7 Principles and 12 Steps)

To get HACCP certified, you’ll need to follow a structured process, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Think of it as a roadmap where each step takes you closer to safer food and stronger compliance. Below, we’ll walk you through the key steps and explain what each involves so you know exactly what to expect. 

1. Build a HACCP Team

Include staff with knowledge in food safety, production, and quality assurance. If your business is small, you may also involve external consultants to cover any expertise gaps. 

2. Describe and Analyze Your Products

Outline ingredients, processing methods, and potential hazards at each stage. This should include packaging, storage, and distribution to ensure nothing is overlooked. 

3. Identify Critical Control Points (CCPs)

These are the stages where hazards can be prevented or eliminated. A CCP might include cooking, cooling, or packaging, depending on your products. 

4. Establish Critical Limits and Monitoring Procedures

Set measurable standards such as time, temperature, or pH levels, and track them consistently. Monitoring can be manual or automated, but it must be documented. 

5. Define Corrective Actions

Have a clear plan for when limits are not met. Corrective actions may involve adjusting processes, retraining staff, or temporarily halting production. 

6. Verify and Document the Plan

Regularly test, audit, and keep thorough records for compliance. Documentation should include monitoring logs, corrective actions taken, and verification reports. 

7. Get Certified Through a Third Party

Once your HACCP plan is implemented, an independent body can audit and certify your system. Today, many providers also offer HACCP certification online, allowing businesses to complete parts of the process remotely and access digital training resources. 

Watch and Learn More 

Want to see the certification process in action and avoid common mistakes? Watch this video for practical tips.