CHA Engine Performance & Tuning 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A HACCP auditor reviews a corrective action for a pH CCP deviation in an acidified food process. The facility disposed of the out-of-spec product but did not identify the root cause. The auditor should:
- Accept the corrective action since the product was disposed of
- Note that root cause analysis is missing and cite a corrective action deficiency (Correct answer)
- Require immediate re-analysis of all CCPs
- Issue a recall notice
Correct answer: Note that root cause analysis is missing and cite a corrective action deficiency
Effective corrective actions must include root cause identification to prevent recurrence, not just product disposition.
Question 2: Under 21 CFR Part 120 (juice HACCP), what is the required log reduction target for the most resistant pathogen of concern?
- 3-log
- 4-log
- 5-log (Correct answer)
- 6-log
Correct answer: 5-log
21 CFR Part 120 requires juice processors to achieve a 5-log reduction of the relevant pathogen of concern.
Question 3: Which document provides the internationally recognized framework that forms the basis for national HACCP regulations worldwide?
- ISO 22000:2018
- Codex Alimentarius CAC/RCP 1-1969 Rev. 4-2003 (Correct answer)
- FDA Food Safety Modernization Act
- USDA FSIS 9 CFR Part 417
Correct answer: Codex Alimentarius CAC/RCP 1-1969 Rev. 4-2003
The Codex Alimentarius General Principles of Food Hygiene (CAC/RCP 1) Annex on HACCP is the globally recognized foundational HACCP document.
Question 4: What distinguishes a critical limit from an operational limit in HACCP?
- Critical limits are set by regulators; operational limits are set internally
- Critical limits separate safe from unsafe food; operational limits provide a safety buffer (Correct answer)
- Operational limits apply only to PRPs; critical limits apply only to CCPs
- Critical limits are monitored continuously; operational limits are monitored daily
Correct answer: Critical limits separate safe from unsafe food; operational limits provide a safety buffer
Operational limits are more stringent than critical limits and serve as an early warning to prevent a CCP from exceeding its critical limit.
Question 5: A HACCP auditor is evaluating a seafood processor's plan. The facility uses blast freezing as a CCP for parasite destruction. Which verification activity is MOST relevant?
- Reviewing supplier parasite test certificates
- Confirming freezer temperature data logger calibration records (Correct answer)
- Checking cleaning and sanitizing schedules
- Auditing employee illness reporting logs
Correct answer: Confirming freezer temperature data logger calibration records
Calibration of the data logger used to verify freezer temperature is the most direct verification of the parasite destruction CCP.
Question 6: In a HACCP audit, which record provides evidence that the HACCP system is operating as designed over time?
- HACCP plan itself
- CCP monitoring records (Correct answer)
- Supplier qualification certificates
- Product specification sheets
Correct answer: CCP monitoring records
CCP monitoring records provide real-time evidence that critical limits are being met and the HACCP system is functioning as planned.
Question 7: A facility adds a new ingredient that contains a Top 9 allergen. Under HACCP principles, what step MUST be revisited first?
- Setting new critical limits
- Conducting a new or updated hazard analysis (Correct answer)
- Retraining all production staff
- Updating supplier approval documentation
Correct answer: Conducting a new or updated hazard analysis
Any change to ingredients, processes, or products requires revisiting the hazard analysis to determine if new or changed hazards are introduced.
CHA Engine Performance & Tuning 3
A HACCP auditor reviews a corrective action for a pH CCP deviation in an acidified food process.
The facility disposed of the out-of-spec product but did not identify the root cause.
The auditor should: