Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Practice Exam

How long should records for jelly be retained in compliance with HACCP?

1. 1 year

2. 2 years

3. 5 years

4. Indefinitely

The correct answer is: 2 years

In HACCP practices, record retention is vital for ensuring traceability and compliance with food safety regulations. The correct response indicates that records for jelly should be retained for a minimum of two years. This duration aligns with recommendations from food safety authorities, which suggest maintaining these records long enough to review and demonstrate compliance with established safety standards. The two-year retention period allows for the evaluation of production processes and can provide valuable information in case of food safety investigations or audits. It also gives enough time for issues to arise that may need documentation for accountability and corrective actions. Shorter retention periods, such as one year, may not provide sufficient historical data for tracing potential food safety incidents, while indefinite retention would lead to unnecessary storage burdens and complicate record management. Keeping records for five years, while it may seem prudent, exceeds the typical requirements and may not provide additional benefits proportionate to the risks or effort involved.