Introducing HACCP System in the Tunisian Dates Sector: An Exploratory Case Study

Exported products are facing stricter quality and safety requirements, as several trends are bringing greater attention to food safety regulations in many countries. HACCP implementation is being required by more and more international consumers of fresh products. A strong effort has been made by the Tunisian government to improve the quality and safety system in the food sector. This paper investigates the perception of the HACCP system by Tunisian date packers/exporters, to examine difficulties related to the adoption of this procedure, to determine the advantages related to its adoption, and to discover the reasons leading some exporters not to adopt the HACCP system. Some recommendations are also given to help Tunisian decision-makers identify strategies to encourage date exporters to adopt this system. Data were collected from a survey of date packing companies and exporters (n=16). Most of the interviewees showed a willingness to adopt the HACCP system taking into consideration their financial, human and infrastructural means