About this course
About this course
HARPC is the US FDA preventive controls framework introduced under the Food Safety Modernization Act and required for most food businesses selling into the United States. This two-day virtual programme teaches the differences between HARPC and HACCP, the structure of a preventive controls plan and the role of the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI).
Who should attend
The course is designed for technical managers, quality managers, export managers and HACCP team members at food manufacturing sites supplying the US market. It is also useful for brokers and importers handling US-bound product, and for consultants supporting clients through FSMA compliance. Staff at UK and European sites that have recently added US-bound SKUs to their portfolio typically find the programme especially valuable, as do businesses preparing for a first FDA inspection.
What the programme covers
Content covers the regulatory context of FSMA, the definitions used under HARPC, hazard analysis under the preventive controls framework, process preventive controls, allergen preventive controls, sanitation preventive controls, supply-chain preventive controls, recall plans, records management and the PCQI role. The programme contrasts HARPC with Codex HACCP throughout, helping delegates understand where existing HACCP work translates and where additional preventive control evidence is required. Specific attention is given to hazard identification under FDA expectations, the handling of radiological hazards, supply-chain programme design for imported ingredients, and the interface with the Foreign Supplier Verification Programme (FSVP) for US importers.
Assessment and certification
A written exam at the end of day two confirms competence. Delegates who pass receive the official BRCGS Certificate of Achievement, widely recognised as evidence of HARPC training for staff supporting US-bound product.
Course format and delivery
The programme runs over two consecutive days in a live virtual format with a BRCGS Approved trainer. Sessions combine methodology teaching with worked hazard analysis examples under the HARPC framework, contrasted with Codex HACCP to highlight the practical differences. Delegates receive HARPC templates and worked example plans for reference after the course.
Why this matters
FSMA enforcement has tightened in recent years, and US importers increasingly require documented HARPC competence from their suppliers. A team trained on the framework reduces the risk of shipment hold and import alert while supporting the wider technical function. The qualification is also increasingly referenced in US customer specifications and supply-chain audits, and supports sites competing for US-bound new business against suppliers without the qualification. The course is most useful when taken alongside the BRCGS HACCP programme and for technical staff already familiar with the Food Safety Issue 9 Sites Training. For broader hazard framework capability, the HARA course complements HARPC well.
Browse the full BRCGS courses and training range or see the wider food safety training catalogue for related programmes.
