

AskHACCP | Water Activity, pH, and Salt: Understanding Critical Technical Parameters in HACCP
When developing a HACCP plan for fermented, dried, cured, ready-to-eat, or shelf-stable foods, three technical parameters frequently enter the conversation: water activity, pH, and salt concentration. Although these factors can work together to limit microbial growth, they measure different physical and chemical properties of food. They are not interchangeable, and documenting one does not necessarily demonstrate control of another. Each must be evaluated within the context o














