Do You Need a Written Preventive Control Plan?
Not every food business requires a written PCP. Preventive controls can apply to specified activities such as certain licensed manufacturing, processing, treating, preserving, grading, storing, packaging, labelling and importing activities. Written PCP requirements have their own applicability and exceptions.
Before writing a plan, the first step should be determining whether the requirement applies to your business and what activities and products are in scope.
PCP Development
We can help structure the written PCP around the operation, products, process flow, hazard analysis, preventive controls, monitoring, corrective action, verification and required supporting programs.
PCP Review & Gap Assessment
If you already have a PCP, we can review whether it reflects current products, processes, hazards, records and implementation.
PCP Implementation & Staff Responsibilities
CFIA guidance emphasizes implementation: employees need to be trained, the plan must be followed, records need to be generated and the business must verify that the PCP is effective.
PCP for Food Importers
Importers subject to PCP requirements have unique responsibilities for demonstrating that imported food meets applicable Canadian requirements. Importer-specific PCP support should consider foreign suppliers, product specifications, controls, traceability and records.
When a PCP Should Be Reviewed or Updated
Review the PCP when products, ingredients, suppliers, equipment, process flow, production volume, regulations or other relevant conditions change. CFIA guidance also recommends periodic reassessment appropriate to the business.
