Assessing the critical factors and their impact on the effective implementation of a food safety management system
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management
ISSN: 0265-671X
Article publication date: 9 October 2009
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the critical factors of effective implementation (CFEI) of the Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP) system and to define the underlying structure among them. Having defined the latent constructs of the critical factors, the paper also aims to explore their impact on the HACCP effectiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
A research project was carried out in 107 Greek food companies. The data collection method used in this study was that of the questionnaire. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were applied to assess the reliability and validity of the latent constructs of the critical factors, while their impact on the HACCP effectiveness was examined through the multiple linear regression analysis.
Findings
Data analysis revealed that the latent constructs of the critical factors such as a company's attributes (prerequisite programmes, equipment and verification procedures) and the human resource attributes (employees' availability, commitment, training and will) are of major importance in implementing an effective HACCP system. According to the findings, these latent constructs have also significant impact on the achievement of the system's aims regarding the identification, assessment and the control of food‐borne safety hazards.
Research limitations/implications
The small sample size, the diversity of the food companies participated in this study and the subjective character of the data constitute the limitations of the present study. However, these limitations suggest future research orientations.
Practical implications
The food companies are supposed to implement a food safety management system, because of either internal or external reasons. However, the system's effectiveness is a parameter that should be assured. This study gives directions in order for the companies to fully achieve the HACCP systems' aims through the management of the critical factors' impact.
Originality value
This paper assesses the critical factors' importance in implementing an effective HACCP system and defines a reliable and valid structure among them identifying the broader dimensions to which they are summarized. In doing so, latent constructs are used as predictors of the HACCP effectiveness.
Keywords
Citation
Fotopoulos, C.V., Kafetzopoulos, D.P. and Psomas, E.L. (2009), "Assessing the critical factors and their impact on the effective implementation of a food safety management system", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 26 No. 9, pp. 894-910. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656710910995082
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited