Abdallah, R., Omara, A., Abo-Foul, N. (2023). Assessment and Implementation of Pre-Requisite Programs in a Dairy Products Plant in Gaza Strip, Palestine. Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 53(2), 55-63. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2023.327929
Reema YT. Abdallah; Adel A. Omara; Nasir S. Abo-Foul. "Assessment and Implementation of Pre-Requisite Programs in a Dairy Products Plant in Gaza Strip, Palestine". Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 53, 2, 2023, 55-63. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2023.327929
Abdallah, R., Omara, A., Abo-Foul, N. (2023). 'Assessment and Implementation of Pre-Requisite Programs in a Dairy Products Plant in Gaza Strip, Palestine', Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 53(2), pp. 55-63. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2023.327929
Abdallah, R., Omara, A., Abo-Foul, N. Assessment and Implementation of Pre-Requisite Programs in a Dairy Products Plant in Gaza Strip, Palestine. Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 2023; 53(2): 55-63. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2023.327929
Assessment and Implementation of Pre-Requisite Programs in a Dairy Products Plant in Gaza Strip, Palestine
1Fellow of Department of Environmental Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
2Department of Public Health, Al Quds University, Palestine
3Department of Environmental Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
4Department of Food Science & Technology, Faculty of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine, Al-Azhar University-Gaza, Palestine
Abstract
Background: Food safety in food industries requires compliance with the basic requirements of good hygiene practices or prerequisite programs (PRPs), along with a food safety management system (FSMS) such as HACCP and ISO 22000. Objective(s): This study aimed to assess and implement PRPs in a dairy products plant, in Gaza strip, Palestine. Methods: The assessment of the PRPs in the plant was conducted by using a pre-structured checklist for observation of the 14 PRPs parameters. It was followed by rehabilitation to ensure that products meet the prerequisite of quality and safety. Results: The overall score percentage of the available required elements of the PRP was 60.2%, with highest score for product information and consumer awareness (100%). While the lowest score was for both environment and location (28.6%) and utilities as air, water, and energy (46.66%). The deficiency in PRP was more pronounced in the pest control and product recall procedures (0% each). After rehabilitation, the overall score percentage of PRPs parameters were improved to 95.5%. The score percentage of waste disposal, equipment suitability, cleaning and maintenance, management of purchased materials, measures for prevention of cross-contamination, cleaning and sanitizing product recall procedures, warehousing and training was improved to 100%. Also, the score percentage of pest control parameter increased to 85.7%. Conclusion: Implantation of PRPs in a dairy products plant with sustainable rehabilitation is considered a prophylactic means for producing safe products and the foundation stone to apply any FSMS.