APPLICATION OF HACCP TO IDENTIFY HYGIENE RISKS IN THE HOME

Hygiene related health hazards in the home include ingestion of microo rganisms or toxins, inhalation of toxins, allergens or microorganisms and infections through the skin. Bacteria, fungi and viruses may all b e involved. For any particular family these hazards translate into dif ferent risks ranging from mild irritations to serious health threats. These will require different responses in terms of hygiene practice an d hygiene product use. The consumer needs help to identify which hazar ds in his/her home pose a high risk and which are insignificant. Risk analysis techniques especially HACCP (Hazard analysis - critical contr ol point) have been proven as effective tools in controlling hazards i n the food industry. We have applied HACCP principles to a risk analys is of a typical home. We conclude that further studies are warranted a nd to focus on particular groups (e.g. families with infants, pensione rs). Such information could be valuable in drawing up hygiene codes of practice and for forming the basis of educational material aimed at d ifferent target groups. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese rved.