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Alberta HACCP Advantage (AHA!)

 
   
 
 
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Alberta HACCP Advantage ( AHA! ) is a program established by Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development (AAFRD), in cooperation with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, to recognize HACCP systems implemented by Alberta food processors. Enrollment is by application and is voluntary.

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) is recognized internationally as the system to effectively manage food safety. Rather than relying on end-product testing to detect failures, HACCP applies control measures at identified stages of the production process to prevent, reduce or eliminate hazards before they occur.

In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) developed the Food Safety Enhancement Program (FSEP) as the HACCP standard for federally registered facilities. The CFIA has the mandate to oversee recognition of HACCP systems of Alberta’s federally registered facilities. Other food processing facilities and provincially registered plants may be audited for HACCP systems but are not recognized by CFIA or any other regulatory body. The Alberta HACCP Advantage Standard is intended for use by food processing facilities in Alberta wishing to formally adopt a government-recognized program. Alberta’s recognition protocol follows the Canadian Food Inspection System Implementation Group’s (CFISIG) Post-Farm HACCP Recognition Protocol for provincial food processing establishments.

Steps to follow to have your HACCP System recognized by Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development under the Alberta HACCP Advantage Program ( AHA! ).
1) Implementation of Prerequisite Programs and HACCP plans (Alberta HACCP Advantage Standard).
2) Successful HACCP System audit.
3) Certification by an independent body.
4) Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development recognition under the AHA! program.

Funding Available for Food Processors

Food processors have access to funding under the Agricultural Policy Framework – Food Safety Initiative for implementation of Prerequisite Programs (Good Manufacturing Practices) and a HACCP system.

Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development will provide information to you as it becomes available. Please bookmark this page and visit regularly.

Summary Application Process: (excerpt from detailed document - How to Apply)

The FSI ‘Implementation’ funding ($15,000 or $20,000) for food processors will be offered through a web based application process with interactive follow up with the Food Safety Division. The application process:


1.

Begin with a basic expression of interest (Part A&B Application Form).

2.

Dialogue with AAFRD to establish commitment by processing establishment management.

3.

Conduct a Gap Assessment (Alberta HACCP Advantage Standard ). A Gap Assessment is an informal analysis of an Applicant’s food safety system and is used to help determine implementation activities (milestones) and objectives for the project.

4.

Negotiate appropriate activities for expected outcomes (Part C&D).

5.

Letter – Grant Agreement - legal document signed by AAFRD and the processor.

6.

Grant Agreement Closure Report.

7.

Payment issued.

8.

Closure report - AAFRD

For more information on the application process or to download the application form, please click on the links below. Some of the documents require the latest version of Adobe Acrobat. Click on the image to download the latest version.



Feedback

We want to hear what you have to say about our programs. To provide comments, feedback or ask questions, please click here or email us at aha@gov.ab.ca.



The Agricultural Policy Framework (APF)
A FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL-TERRITORIAL INITIATIVE
Aussi disponible en français



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  For more information about the content of this document, contact Kelly Sawka.
This document is maintained by Sheila Hart.
This information published to the web on August 19, 2005.
Last Reviewed/Revised on December 7, 2006.
 

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