In sanitary food manufacturing, magnets are an essential part of bulk material processing. They help protect consumers by capturing ferrous and weakly ferrous contaminants that could otherwise end up in the finished product. But when it comes to selecting magnetic separation equipment, misinformation in the market can make it difficult to know what’s truly required by regulators—and what’s being promoted by private interests.
Recently, some processors have been misled by “HACCP International” guidelines that appear to carry the weight of government food safety regulations. Let’s set the record straight and show where Eriez fits in.
What HACCP Really Is
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) is a systematic approach to food safety. It focuses on identifying and controlling potential hazards—biological, chemical, or physical—at every step of production, from raw material sourcing through distribution.
The seven HACCP principles include:
- Conduct a hazard analysis
- Determine critical control points (CCPs)
- Establish critical limits
- Establish monitoring procedures
- Establish corrective actions
- Establish verification procedures
- Establish record-keeping procedures
In the United States, HACCP is regulated by two government agencies:
- USDA FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service): Oversees HACCP for meat, poultry, and eggs.
- FDA (Food and Drug Administration): Oversees HACCP for seafood, juice, and other foods under its jurisdiction.
Importantly: Neither USDA nor FDA “certify” or “approve” equipment as HACCP-compliant. The regulations only require that equipment be designed and installed according to sanitary principles.
Who Is HACCP International?
HACCP International is a for-profit consulting company. They are not part of the USDA, FDA, or any U.S. government agency. By including “HACCP” in their name, they create the impression of official authority. In reality, they:
- Do not regulate food safety.
- Do not certify equipment on behalf of the USDA or FDA.
- Do not create legally binding standards.
Instead, HACCP International publishes “guidelines” that promote specific equipment—particularly magnets produced by Magnattack, an Australian company headquartered in the same country as HACCP International.
Why This Matters for Magnet Selection
In their “Final Magnetic Separation Devices” specification, HACCP International introduces a requirement for pole spacing—a design feature unique to Magnattack products. By inserting this criterion, they try to exclude competitors like Eriez, despite the fact that Eriez magnets not only meet but often exceed the performance levels necessary for food safety under U.S. regulations.
In fact, Eriez abandoned the pole spacing design promoted in the HACCP International spec decades ago because newer technology delivers superior strength and contaminant capture.
What USDA and FDA Really Require
When Eriez asked the USDA FSIS about HACCP International’s claims, their response was clear:
- Certification Authority: “FSIS does not require third-party certification of equipment.” (See 9 CFR 416.1 – 416.5)
- Standards Drafting Authority: FSIS does not approve equipment designs drafted by third parties like HACCP International. Such endorsements “do not supersede FSIS regulatory requirements.”
In other words: Food manufacturers are free to choose any magnet that meets sanitary design principles. They should write their own HACCP program to ensure accuracy, ownership, and effectiveness. There is no government mandate to use HACCP International–approved equipment.
The Eriez Advantage
Eriez provides food manufacturers with proven, high-performance magnetic separation equipment that meets or exceeds all applicable U.S. food safety guidelines.
- FDA & USDA compliant: Eriez designs align with sanitary standards outlined by regulatory agencies.
- Superior strength: The Eriez RE7HP circuit delivers 11,800 gauss (110 ounces of pull), outperforming the 10,000 gauss cited by HACCP International.
- Flexible options: If a processor specifically requests equipment that meets HACCP International specs, Eriez can provide magnets that do so—without sacrificing compliance.
- Sanitary finishes: Eriez magnets are built to exceed finish standards and use design features like radius end plugs for cleanability.
Bottom Line
Food safety is too important to leave in the hands of marketing tactics. HACCP International is not a regulatory body, and its specifications are not required by U.S. law. Processors should feel confident selecting equipment that truly protects consumers and aligns with USDA and FDA guidance.
With decades of innovation, proven reliability, and a range of solutions designed specifically for sanitary processing, Eriez magnets provide manufacturers with the assurance they need—without falling into the trap of misleading “HACCP certifications.”
Resources:
- Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) | FDA
- 9 CFR 416 – USDA Sanitation Performance Standards
- FSIS Guidebook for the Preparation of HACCP Plans