Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Practice Exam

Which term describes a specific step taken when monitoring indicates a loss of control?

1. Control action

2. Corrective measure

3. Operational response

4. Preventive action

The correct answer is: Corrective measure

The term that best describes a specific step taken when monitoring indicates a loss of control is "corrective measure." In the context of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), when monitoring reveals that a critical limit has been exceeded or not met, a corrective measure is essential to regain control of the process. Implementing corrective measures is a fundamental part of the HACCP system as it involves actions to correct the situation and prevent potential hazards from impacting food safety. This may include adjusting process parameters, retraining staff, or discarding affected product to ensure safety and compliance. Other terms, while related, do not specifically denote the corrective action needed when there is a loss of control. For example, control action can refer to any action related to monitoring and maintaining control measures, operational response usually pertains to adjustments made during normal operations without the indication of a loss of control, and preventive action refers to steps taken to prevent potential issues before they occur rather than responding to an existing problem. Thus, "corrective measure" accurately captures the necessary response to monitoring results that indicate a deviation from acceptable control levels in HACCP.