Not a Gallows, but a Decision Tree- Part 1

Every extension whose name includes the word “Safety” requires a hazard analysis and risk assessment study in its definition. While the perspectives are different in environment and occupational safety, in 'Food Safety' standards, scenarios are analyzed based on the food not causing us harm. These studies are called Hazard Analysis; and in the food chain, they are called HACCP. HACCP is pronounced 'Hasip' [Turkish pronunciation] and is a word we hear very often concerning food. We hear it a lot, so we say we know it well, but how much do we truly know and apply this concept?

To avoid facing food hazards by simply calling it 'Nasip' [fate/destiny in Turkish], we must learn HACCP well. I hear people saying that these issues happen to them even though they implement HACCP. The purpose of HACCP is not always to eliminate the hazard; reducing the likelihood and severity are also among the goals of the study. For this reason, HACCP must be supported by verification and validation studies.

Risk analysis is a concept with numerous examples and countless scientific variations. The goal is to take justified precautions against the frequency and severity of the hazard.

The decision tree in the HACCP published in the International Codex has been diversified with an approach brought by Food Safety standards and ISO 22000, and the hazard analysis, questions, and decision trees have been diversified according to ISO 22004. Which one should be used? This question is frequently asked by organizations operating the system.

Risk = Severity * Likelihood

If the risk is large, a precaution is taken. The precaution taken sometimes reduces the hazard risk, and sometimes eliminates it. The sufficiency and result of the precautions taken can only be demonstrated through monitoring.

When we look at the types of precautions, we can make distinctions as Critical (CCP), Operational, and General precautions (OPRP, GMP). Whatever standard you apply, the important thing is to try to take the necessary precautions.

In many cases, the concept of a long-term, often neglected concept, often neglected once implemented, offers significant benefits to businesses. First of all, there are risk analysis studies that the business owner is unaware of. However, some risks, while considered by those conducting the analysis, may not be considered by senior management. For example, if a formula manufacturer knew that they would have to recall 25 tons of product due to a 0.1% chance of spoilage in 25 kg of milk powder, would they allow it to be imported into the business without performing any input checks?

Many hazard analyses have been conducted, and they often pair probability information with the words "little, once every 1 year, once every 5 years, or none at all." For example, let's look at a few newspaper articles: 54 students were poisoned in Adıyaman on December 23, 2016; 150 students were poisoned in Konya on September 20, 2016; and 60 police officers were poisoned seven days ago.

While such records are publicly available through poison control centers in Europe and America, have you encountered any hospitals, poison control centers, or public announcements in Turkey?

I wish you healthy days…

Fatma İnceoğlu, 22.03.2017