Comprehensive Risk Assessment (HACCP and VACCP) for Grain Commodities
For a large company’s project was successfully delivered for creating detailed HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and VACCP (Vulnerability Analysis and Critical Control Points) documentation for core grain commodities – maize, wheat, rice and sorghum.
Client Overview Project Objectives
A large multinational company specializing in a wide range of grains and ingredients required a thorough risk assessment for their core grain commodities – maize, wheat, rice, and sorghum.
The objectives of the project were to:
- Establish clear parameters and a detailed HACCP process flow for risk assessment
- Implement a gated review process requiring stakeholder approval at each stage
- Develop robust HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and VACCP (Vulnerability Assessment and Critical Control Points) documentation using agreed templates.
- DariaL was brought to this project as an expert to work closely with stakeholders from the client company, FoodChain ID, and it’s end client.
Our Method Approach and Challenges
DariaL led the grains workstream on fully remote basis, supporting a globally distributed project team.
- Master Project Management file was created to manage multiple gate reviews ensuring deliverables were completed and approved within agreed timelines before progressing to subsequent stages.
- The initial phase focused on clearly defining the project scope. Multiple scenarios were presented to stakeholders, with additional expert input incorporated where required.
- There was followed by the introduction of the process and development of comprehensive HACCP process flows. This activity helped to refine and confirm the exact project objectives. Input was provided by internal teams from processing locations and procurement to ensure accuracy and alignment with real operational practices.
- Every grain commodity was assessed using Horizon scan and Food Fraud databases to ensure all relevant Food Safety hazards (chemical, microbiological, allergenic, physical) and quality issues were captured within the risk assessment.
- One of the main challenges was balancing the client’s broad expectations for grain processing coverage – especially where many hazards originate at farm level – with the need to remain within the agreed budget and timelines.
Our Method Solution and Result
- Extensive research across multiple data sources, including FERA Scan, Food Froud Data base, and other scientifically recognised sources, was essential for the input of the project. This research was included into the hazard’s identification and approaches for Food Safety and Quality controls, Vulnerability.
- In addition to Food Safety hazards (physical, microbiological, allergenic, chemical) such as heavy metals, mycotoxins, pesticides, tropane alkaloids, allergens, pathogenic microorganisms etc., Quality parameters were also considered into the assessment.
- All gate reviews were constructively challenged by expert stakeholders, ensuring a robust and comprehensive outcome. The final HACCP and VACCP documentation for each grain commodity were delivered within agreed budget and timelines.
- This project highlights our ability to manage extensive risk assessments in a highly complex supply chain environment, ensuring both Food Safety, Quality and Vulnerability management in grain commodities.
Our Feedback Client Testimonial
DariaL worked on a complex food safety risk assessment project for a high-profile client. The quality of DariaL’s work is excellent with exceptional attention to detail. DariaL has extensive technical expertise, knowledge and industry experience particularly with respect to cereals. DariaL is practical, methodical and always goes the extra mile to meet tight deadlines. A real pleasure to work with and I would highly recommended her as a Technical Consultant in the food industry.
Natalie Bliss, Technical manager, Product Certification Schemes, FoodChain ID
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