Post‐training assessment of HACCP knowledge: its use as a predictor of effective HACCP development, implementation and maintenance in food manufacturing

Purpose HACCP training is acknowledged as a key requirement for the development of effective HACCP systems. However, there are few measures of the standards of training being offered or of the effectiveness of learning that takes place and no agreed methods to measure HACCP knowledge following training. Sets out to investigate this issue. Design/methodology/approach A HACCP knowledge questionnaire was developed to measure HACCP team member knowledge following training. Data were collected from 91 individuals in a multinational organisation and predictions were made on likely effectiveness of HACCP systems based on team‐member knowledge. Findings This paper outlines the preliminary results from a research project investigating the impact of training on effective HACCP implementation in a multinational organisation. Research limitations/implications Limitations concerning sample size, timing and possible lack of understanding are discussed. Originality/value A new tool to measure HACCP team member knowledge is described and use of HACCP knowledge as a predictor of HACCP system effectiveness is discussed.