Are metal detectors required to be a critical control point (CCP)?
A4: No. The presence of a metal detector does not automatically require that it be designated as a CCP. However, if the hazard analysis determines that metal is a food safety hazard reasonably likely to occur, 9 CFR 417.2(c)(2) requires that the HACCP plan include at least one CCP to control it, and thus the metal detector may be a CCP. If the establishment can support that metal is not a food safety hazard reasonably likely to occur, there is no requirement for the metal detector to be a CCP. If inspection personnel have questions regarding the supporting documentation, they should contact the Frontline Supervisor or the Technical Service Center for assistance. The District Office may assign an EIAO to assess the documentation.
