Which of the following does NOT need to be included in the description of a product?

The correct assertion is that the intended use of the product does not need to be included in its description. This is because the description of a product primarily focuses on the physical attributes and specifications that define the product itself, such as raw materials and ingredients, process steps, and storage requirements.

Raw materials and ingredients are critical to understanding what the product contains, which can affect its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Process steps provide insight into how the product is manufactured, which is essential for identifying potential hazards and controlling them through the HACCP plan. Storage requirements inform how the product should be handled once produced, which is vital for maintaining safety and quality.

While the intended use can be relevant in specific contexts, especially when considering labeling or marketing, it is not a fundamental part of the product description within a HACCP context. Instead, it supports understanding how the product should be utilized, which may not directly relate to its safety hazards or control measures. Therefore, including intended use is less critical compared to the other elements that are necessary for effective hazard analysis and management in the HACCP framework.