Skrót HACCP z angielskiego oznacza Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points System. Ma na celu zadbać o maksymalne bezpieczeństwo pracy związanej w jakikolwiek sposób z żywnością. System wiąże się nie tylko ze zgodami na działalność otrzymywanymi od sanepidu, ale również z procedurami postępowania w różnych sytuacjach czy z odzieżą ochronną pracowników. Audyty HACCP obejmują między innymi kontrolę:

• technical condition of the building and its surroundings,
• separation of appropriate rooms for specific applications (production, social, storage),
• producing, storing and transporting food,
• implementation of good hygiene practices,
• machines and equipment used in the workplace,
• qualifications of employees and their adequate protection by the employer.

The HACCP system is designed to eliminate or minimize all physical, chemical and microbiological hazards that may affect employees or products processed on the premises of a given plant. The system has to be used and controlled all the time – one-off measures are not enough in this case. It regulates in great detail all the requirements related to the building, machines and employees, because it is the compliance with these standards that determines the health and safety of many people – not only those working on the premises of a specific plant, but also those who later purchase products manufactured there. An interesting fact is that the HACCP system was originally commissioned by NASA in order to produce food with an appropriate level of safety for astronauts. Later, a decision was made to adapt this system to the conditions related to food sold in shops, hotels or restaurants.

Among the basic requirements that apply to HACCP clothing is that it should be kept in bright colors, where even the slightest dirt will be easily visible. The materials of this type of clothing must resist fraying so that pieces of clothing do not end up in food. They must also be easy to clean, work and disinfect and suitable for washing in industrial laundries so that their use is as comfortable as possible. HACCP clothing should cover the worker to an appropriate degree. It must not have pockets that could fall out of something, or small elements that could fall off during work. HACCP clothing should comply with the ISO 22000 standard.

What is the HoReCa industry? It applies primarily to the entire catering and hotel sector (read our article: “The HoReCa industry – what is its part and what does work in this sector look like?”). The very name suggests that it applies to hotels, restaurants and catering or cafes. The term HoReCa refers not only to the food or drinks distributed in these places, but also to all items and products that have any connection with them, e.g. protective clothing or disposable dishes on which food is served. The HoReCa industry is already one of the largest sectors and is constantly developing. Since every inhabitant of developed countries enjoys its benefits, appropriate procedures must be maintained in it for the safety of many millions of people.

We distinguish different types of HACCP clothing, including:

– head protection – i.e. balaclavas, masks, caps and hats that prevent hair, mustache and beard from getting into food. They also protect against falling, for example, earrings and other elements into the product. Head protection also includes helmets and protective helmets used in warehouses.

– disposable overalls and aprons – which should be adapted to the specificity of work in a given plant. Completely different requirements apply to workplaces where employees process meat, and different requirements for packing salads. Disposable overalls and aprons are a way to ensure the highest level of hygiene in the workplace.

– hand protection – e.g. sleeves and disposable gloves. Hand protection, depending on the position at which the employee works, will be different. You can get anti-cut gloves made of metal, or rubber and fabric gloves that protect the skin from moisture, cleaning agents or other irritating preparations. Disposable gloves are an excellent choice for people who work with the customer, translate and serve products.

– leg protection – here we have a choice of low boots, high boots, slip-on boots, flip-flops and even galoshes. Safety shoes for work are a way to ensure the comfort and convenience of walking, the health of the spine and joints, protection against crushing, water, oils, cleaning agents and temperature.

– knives – the equipment of every workplace also includes appropriate quality, ergonomic and sharp knives. You can get cutting and cutting accessories in different colors so that each knife is designed for a different type of food. This will allow you to maintain an ideal level of hygiene and extend the shelf life of the food, as some types of food will not be contaminated by others.

In addition to the appropriate protective clothing, each workplace must have the following products:

– foil bags – which, although they are small, are a very important element necessary for work. Plastic bags allow not only to conveniently manage waste, but also to conveniently take them out and take care of their proper processing. Various capacities and colors of the bags are available so that their sorting is not a problem.

– other foil articles – that is, for example, bags designed to be placed in wide containers that can be used to put phones or jewelry in a safe and hygienic place during work. Disposable gowns and capes may also be useful for people outside the workplace who come to an audit or inspection.

– dispensers – which are necessary for the proper and hygienic distribution of all foil products such as gloves, shoe covers, aprons and foil bags.