Table 4 The 12-steps scheme for developing a HACCP-based Quality Risk Management (QRM) programme (adapted after [7])

Step 1

Assemble an on-farm QRM-team; describe the general farm geography.

Step 2

Identify the most significant hazards in public health and food safety, and in animal health and animal welfare.

Step 3

Determine the risk factors associated with the defined main hazards, and explore which are applicable on the particular dairy farm.

Step 4

Draw farm process flow diagrams (general and detailed for a hazard) and check these on site.

Step 5

Define critical control points (CCP), and points of particular attention (POPA).

Step 6

Determine the respective standards and tolerance limits (CCP) and target values (POPA).

Step 7

Weigh the different risk factors for their probability of occurrence and their impact.

Step 8

Design a formal monitoring scheme, including CCP/POPA, method of monitoring, frequency of monitoring, person responsible, measures to be taken at deviations.

Step 9

Determine sets of corrective measures for deviations occurring at CCP's and or POPA's.

Step 10

Develop good dairy farming guidelines and technical working instructions for areas needing particular attention.

Step 11

Introduce the necessary documents and install specific training programmes of short duration for farm workers.

Step 12

Install internal validation procedures, and external auditing procedures.