Assessment and Implementation of Pre-Requisite Programs in a Dairy Products Plant in Gaza Strip, Palestine

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.