Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Practice Exam

Which approach does FSMA emphasize for food safety?

1. Reactive approach

2. Scientific approach

3. Traditional approach

4. Global approach

The correct answer is: Scientific approach

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) emphasizes a scientific approach to food safety, which fundamentally shifts the focus from being reactive to proactive. This approach is rooted in the application of scientific principles and risk-based strategies to prevent food safety issues before they occur. By leveraging scientific data, the FSMA encourages food producers and processors to identify and control potential hazards throughout the entire food supply chain, which is essential in ensuring the safety of food products from farm to table. In this framework, the use of science facilitates better decision-making regarding food safety practices, helping to pinpoint critical areas where interventions can be made effectively. This proactive stance is aimed at protecting public health by reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses and ensuring that food systems are better prepared to handle potential risks. The other approaches do not align as closely with FSMA’s goals. A reactive approach focuses on responding to food safety issues after they have already occurred, which does not prevent problems ahead of time. The traditional approach may rely on established norms without incorporating modern risk assessment techniques. Meanwhile, a global approach, while important in the context of international food supply chains, still lacks the focused scientific and risk-based methodologies that FSMA champions.