Articles
DEVELOPMENT OF HACCP BASED QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTION
These two aims have often conflicted in practice as requirements for quality assurance have increased bureaucracy and reduced efficiency.
The principles of HACCP, in identifying and controlling only critical control points, can be transferred to ornamentals production systems to assure product quality at the same time as minimising bureaucracy and identifying areas where efficiency improvements can be made.
By changing the scope of HACCP from food safety to product quality, environmental protection and social responsibility; then a new process-based Quality Management System (QMS) can be developed.
The benefits of the use of HACCP methods in this way are highlighted in a number of case studies with nursery stock producers.
Following agreement of the specific scope and production of a ‘production flowchart’ the hazards were considered at each step and the risks scored on a scale of 1 to 3. The need for Standard Operating Procedures and records was identified from the risk score.
This score prompted different levels of record keeping ranging from full records for high risk hazards and the use of roll-up and exception reporting for lower risk hazards.
This HACCP based QMS could also act as the starting point for other quality standards, such as BS EN ISO 9001 or other accreditation schemes.
Where ornamentals businesses have developed and implemented the QMS, management have found it easier to monitor performance, identify strengths and weaknesses and improve staff morale through staff development and ownership of tasks.
Monthly management review meetings facilitate a self-reviewing process for the QMS. Implementation of the system has reduced losses and improved quality.
However, requirements for success include full involvement of key staff and a genuine management commitment.