Perceived Effects of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Training on California Egg Producers

摘要

Government regulatory agencies and the food industry are currently incorporating Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles into farm production practices in an attempt to minimize foodborne pathogens. The California Egg Quality Assurance Plan (CEQAP) includes a HACCP training course for egg industry members. The training began in 1995 and questionnaires were mailed to all 162 participants in 1998. Statistical analyses were performed on the 86 surveys returned to assess the effects of the training. Participants belonged to one or more of five industry sectors: egg production, egg packing/ processing, pullet production, allied industry, and government/education professional. Five training sessions included introduction and quality assurance plan development, egg processing, flock health, biosecurity and cleaning/ disinfection, and pest management/vector control. Pullet producers rated the egg processing module to be less valuable than pest management training. All other sectors found all training modules to be valuable to their job, with no significant differences in value between modules. The five sectors were equally likely to make management changes after CEQAP training and were most likely to make changes in the area of pest management/vector control. Participants did not increase use of veterinary diagnostic services after training. Live speaker presentations and videotape training sessions were judged to be equally valuable. Overall, the training was perceived to be valuable by all industry sectors and frequently (89%) resulted in management changes.