Application of a HACCP–QMRA approach for managing the impact of climate change on food quality and safety

The work presented focuses on predictive modelling for estimating the risk to consumers due to consumption of food contaminated with Specific Foodborne Pathogens (SFP) or estimating the remaining shelf life of the product. An approach based on integration of the existing Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) approach with the Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) is presented which is developed as part of the Chill-On EC FP6 research project. The paper describes the main principles of operation of the system and introduces elements of practical implementation and operation of the HACCP system combined with QMRA as well as a Shelf Life Predictor (SLP). The possibility for managing the impact of climate change by using HACCP–QMRA–SLP in supply chains is discussed.