This diagram is a decision tree diagram. It helps determine whether a given process in the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points system is a critical control point or not. This decision tree diagram is based on a Codex Alimentarius document called the Recommended International Code of Practice – General Principles of Food Hygiene, Annex to CAC/RCP 1-1969, Rev. 3 (1997).
This decision tree diagram consists of four principle questions:
Question 1: Do preventative control measures exist?
A. If yes, go to Question 2.
B. If no, is the control at this step necessary for safety?
1. If yes, modify step, process or product and go back to Question 1.
2. If no, the control measure is not a critical control point. Proceed to the next identified hazard in the described process.
Question 2: Is the step specifically designed to eliminate or reduce the likely occurrence of a hazard to an acceptable level? Note: acceptable and unacceptable levels need to be determined with the overall objectives in identifying the critical control points of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points plan.
A. If yes, this is a critical control point.
B. If no, go to Question 3.
Question 3: Could contamination with an identified hazard or hazards occur in excess of acceptable level or levels, or could it increase to unacceptable levels? Note: Acceptable and unacceptable levels need to be determined with the overall objectives in identifying the critical control points of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points plan.
A. If yes, go to Question 4.
B. If no, the control measure is not a critical control point. Proceed to the next identified hazard in the described process.
Question 4: Will a subsequent step eliminate identified hazard or hazards or reduce the likely occurrence of acceptable levels? Note: acceptable and unacceptable levels need to be determined with the overall objectives in identifying the critical control points of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points plan.
A. If yes, control measure that is not a critical control point. Proceed to the next identified hazard in the described process.
B. If no, this is a critical control point.