Over the years reviewing HACCP plans, training teams, and supporting certification audits, I’ve seen the same misconceptions repeat themselves. Most companies don’t struggle with HACCP because it’s overly technical. They struggle because they’ve heard conflicting advice, outdated rules, or assumptions that simply aren’t true.
The truth is, HACCP isn’t meant to be confusing. It’s meant to be practical. Once the myths are out of the way, the system becomes far easier to understand and use.
Let’s clear up the most common misconceptions quickly and give you a more accurate view of what HACCP really is—and how it should work inside a food operation.
Myth 1: “HACCP Is Only for Large Food Manufacturers.”
This is one of the most common misunderstandings. Some small businesses—especially startups or artisan producers—assume HACCP is only for factories with large production lines.
In reality, HACCP applies to any business handling food, from micro-operations to multinational manufacturers. The difference is that HACCP should scale based on the size and complexity of the operation.
A small jam producer may have only a few hazard points to monitor. A frozen food plant may have dozens. The framework stays the same—what changes is the level of control, monitoring, and documentation.
Pro Tip: If your business handles food that can spoil, grow bacteria, be contaminated, or harm consumers, HACCP applies—regardless of size.
Myth 2: “HACCP Is Just Paperwork.”
Some businesses treat HACCP as a manual that sits on a shelf and gets dusted off for inspections. But paperwork alone won’t protect consumers—or pass a serious audit.
HACCP only works when it’s implemented on the production floor through:
Monitoring
Verification
Record-keeping
Corrective actions
I’ve audited facilities with beautifully written HACCP plans but poor implementation. In those cases, the documentation didn’t matter because real-life controls weren’t happening.
The point isn’t to impress auditors with binders. The point is to prevent hazards during production.
Common mistake: Writing procedures no one follows—or can even explain.
Myth 3: “Once HACCP Is Written, It Never Changes.”
HACCP is not a one-time project. It’s a living system.
It must be reviewed any time something changes, including:
New suppliers
New equipment
New packaging
New ingredients
New processes
New regulatory requirements
If something in production changes but the HACCP plan doesn’t, the plan loses accuracy—and audits will reflect that.
Pro Tip: A good rule of thumb: If your process changes, your HACCP should too.
Myth 4: “HACCP Covers Everything We Need for Food Safety.”
HACCP is essential, but it’s not the entire food-safety system. It works alongside prerequisite programs (PRPs), such as:
Sanitation and hygiene
Allergen management
Supplier approval
Pest control
Calibration
Training
Traceability and recall procedures
I’ve seen facilities with a strong HACCP program fail audits because basic hygiene or sanitation controls were weak. HACCP identifies critical hazards—but PRPs create the foundation that keeps the environment safe and controlled.
HACCP isn’t meant to replace PRPs—it works because of them.
Myth 5: “HACCP Certification Is Optional Unless Required by Law.”
Technically, this depends on your region and your product type. But here’s the reality: in today’s market, legal compliance isn’t always enough.
Retailers, distributors, airlines, and export markets often require HACCP certification even when local regulations don’t.
I’ve seen companies lose supply opportunities—not because their product was unsafe, but because they couldn’t produce a valid HACCP certificate.
Legal requirements set the minimum. Market expectations often set the standard.
Common misunderstanding: Compliance with law isn’t the same as being accepted in the supply chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HACCP mandatory for every food business? Not always. It depends on the jurisdiction and product risk. But if you handle high-risk food or plan to scale, HACCP is strongly expected.
Does HACCP certification guarantee a food product will never have safety issues? No system can guarantee zero risk. HACCP reduces risk and creates structured control—it doesn’t remove it entirely.
Can ISO 22000 or other standards replace HACCP? No. Those systems include HACCP. They don’t replace it—they build on it.
Conclusion — A Quick Reality Check
HACCP isn’t just for big companies. It’s not a binder of paperwork, and it’s not something you write once and forget. When applied properly, HACCP becomes a practical, evolving, risk-based system that protects products, people, and the business.
If you’re still unsure whether your current understanding matches best practice, the next step is simple: review your HACCP system and validate whether it’s truly working or just documented.
Melissa Lavaro is a seasoned ISO consultant and an enthusiastic advocate for quality management standards. With a rich experience in conducting audits and providing consultancy services, Melissa specializes in helping organizations implement and adapt to ISO standards. Her passion for quality management is evident in her hands-on approach and deep understanding of the regulatory frameworks. Melissa’s expertise and energetic commitment make her a sought-after consultant, dedicated to elevating organizational compliance and performance through practical, insightful guidance.
