Optimizing Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Implementation in School Feeding Programs to Enhance Food Safety in LMICs: A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: School feeding programmes are among the largest nutrition and social protection  interventions  in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However,  foodborne hazards  remain  a  major  challenge that may  compromise programme effectiveness. As Indonesia expands its Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) programme,  optimizing Hazard Analysis  and Critical Control Point (HACCP) implementation is essential to ensure food safety. Objective: This literature review aimed to synthesize current evidence on HACCP implementation in school feeding programmes and identify evidence-based strategies to optimize food safety in LMICs, with implications for Indonesia’s MBG programme. Methods: A literature review was conducted through a systematic search of the PubMed and Europe PMC databases for studies published between 2016 and 2026. The search strategy was developed using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) framework, and study selection followed the Preferred Reporting  Items  for  Systematic Reviews  and  Meta-Analyses  (PRISMA)  2020 guidelines. Six eligible primary studies were synthesized narratively, while international guidelines and Indonesian policy documents were reviewed to contextualize the findings. Results: Three major themes were identified: behavioural factors, microbiological contamination, and institutional capacity. The evidence demonstrated that conventional food safety measures were insufficient to ensure consistent food safety performance. Optimizing HACCP implementation required strengthening prerequisite programmes, workforce competency, continuous monitoring, systematic verification, integrated governance, and implementation fidelity. Conclusion: HACCP provides a comprehensive framework for improving food safety in school feeding programmes. The findings support strengthening implementation fidelity, institutional capacity, and multisectoral collaboration to ensure the safe and sustainable implementation of Indonesia’s MBG programme.