A HACCP plan documents the procedures used to ensure that the principles of HACCP are followed. It dictates the methods used to monitor and control chemical, physical, and biological hazards. It also directs the use of appropriate resources and timely responses to problems. Information in this course comes from the Hazardous Analysis and Critical Control Point Principles and Application Guidelines adopted by the USDA and FDA National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) in August 1997. In addition to enhanced assurance of food safety, information helps illustrate that an organization benefits from better use of resources and a timely response to problems.