Which of the following is a preliminary task in HACCP plan development?

• A. Describe intended use and consumers of food
• B. Verify the flow diagram
• C. Determine critical points
• D. Assemble the HACCP team

Answer: (D)

Assembling the HACCP team is the starting point because you need a diverse group with the right expertise and authority to guide every subsequent step. This team brings knowledge of the process, product formulation, sanitation, distribution, and regulatory requirements, and it sets responsibilities so hazards can be identified and controls developed effectively. Without the team in place, describing the product, determining intended use, mapping the process flow, or identifying and verifying hazards can’t be done reliably.

Describing intended use and consumer considerations is an important early activity, but it typically follows after the team is formed to ensure there’s someone to interpret how the product will be used and who will be consuming it. Verifying the flow diagram comes later, once a diagram is constructed, and is done on-site to confirm accuracy. Determining critical points (the CCPs) is part of the hazard analysis and CCP decision-making, which occur after hazards have been identified.