Case Study: BOTL Farm - Achieving HACCP Compliance for CT Department of Health (CT-DOH) Approval

Location & Contact

Client: BOTL Farm

Location: 859 Westford Road, Ashford, CT

Owned and Operated By: Danielle Larese & Nick Weinstock

Website: www.BOTLFarm.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/BOTLFarm

Background

BOTL Farm, a small-scale operation owned and managed by Danielle Larese and Nick Weinstock, is dedicated to producing premium, locally-sourced meats. Among their offerings is raw sausage, sold frozen directly to consumers, reflecting their commitment to quality and community engagement.

As they sought to expand their operations while adhering to regulatory standards, Danielle and Nick connected with the AgriForaging Food Safety AskHACCP Hotline. They required expert guidance to navigate and finalize a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan for the Connecticut Department of Health (CT-DOH). The focus was obtaining approval for Reduced Oxygen Packaging (ROP) of their raw sausage products, a step critical to supporting their growth and maintaining food safety compliance.

Challenges to CT-DOH Compliance

BOTL Farm faced several challenges in navigating the compliance process, including:

• Interpreting Connecticut Health Code Requirements: Understanding the specific regulatory standards for Reduced Oxygen Packaging (ROP) to align their practices with state mandates.
  

• Developing a Comprehensive HACCP Plan: Crafting a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan that met the detailed guidelines set forth by the Connecticut Department of Health (CT-DOH).
  

• Upgrading Equipment and Processes: Identifying and implementing the necessary equipment and operational adjustments to comply with ROP regulations.
  

• Streamlining Communication with Inspectors: Effectively engaging with CT-DOH inspectors to achieve clarity, address concerns, and facilitate a smooth approval process.

How AgriForaging Food Safety Aligned with CT-DOH Requirements

Through the AskHACCP Hotline, AgriForaging Food Safety provided BOTL Farm with comprehensive support to achieve their compliance goals:

1. HACCP Plan Review

   We reviewed BOTL Farm's initial HACCP Plan and supporting documentation, identifying areas for clarification and refinement to align with CT-DOH requirements for ROP approval.
   

2. Guidance Through CT-DOH Regulations:Our team provided Danielle and Nick with clear insights into Connecticut's health department regulations for ROP, demystifying state health codes and outlining key compliance expectations specific to their product.
   

3. Compliance Resources and Support:

   • Conducted multiple phone and video consultations to address questions and provide actionable guidance.

   • Shared tailored regulatory resources and practical solutions to enhance their operational compliance.
     

4. Equipment Recommendations:Provided guidance on selecting equipment that met the

   CT Health Code standards, ensuring a smooth path to approval.
   

5. Plan Revisions and Verification:Danielle and Nick updated their HACCP Plan based on our feedback. We conducted a thorough re-review of the revised plan to verify compliance and ensure accuracy before submission.
   

6. Communication With Inspectors:Guided BOTL Farm in fostering effective communication with their CT-DOH inspector, equipping them with the confidence to navigate the approval process successfully.
   

Outcome

With the support of the AskHACCP Hotline, BOTL Farm successfully submitted their HACCP Plan to the CT Department of Health. Their efforts culminated in production approval for their Reduced Oxygen Packaged raw sausage in mid-November (2024). This milestone enables BOTL Farm to expand their product offerings while maintaining high safety and quality standards.

BOTL Farm's experience illustrates how expert guidance can simplify the often-daunting process of regulatory compliance. By leveraging AgriForaging Food Safety's expertise, Danielle and Nick were able to navigate complex health department requirements efficiently, securing the necessary approval to grow their business.

For farms like BOTL Farm, the AskHACCP Hotline provides a valuable resource for compliance and safety planning, ensuring that local producers can bring their products to market with confidence.

To learn more about AgriForaging Food Safety’s services, CONTACT US, email us at info@agriforaging.com, or call (845) 481-0820.