Which statement describes the requirement when a hazard is reasonably likely to occur at a step in the process?

Which statement describes the requirement when a hazard is reasonably likely to occur at a step in the process?

• A. Develop a CCP prior to that step
• B. Develop a CCP at or after that step
• C. Develop a sampling program to measure the hazard
• D. Develop a prerequisite plan to make the hazard not reasonably likely to occur

Answer: (B)

When a hazard is reasonably likely to occur at a step, you must place a control where you can actually prevent, eliminate, or reduce that hazard to an acceptable level. If the hazard could arise during a step, a CCP can be set at that step or at a later step where you can reliably remove or diminish the hazard, such as a post-step treatment like pasteurization. This reflects that the critical control is effective even if the hazard develops during the earlier step. Setting a CCP before the step wouldn’t directly address the hazard as it forms; a sampling program deals with monitoring rather than controlling the hazard, and a prerequisite program is a broad preventive framework, not the specific control required for a hazard likely to occur at a step. So the appropriate approach is to develop a CCP at or after that step.

When a hazard is reasonably likely to occur at a step, you must place a control where you can actually prevent, eliminate, or reduce that hazard to an acceptable level. If the hazard could arise during a step, a CCP can be set at that step or at a later step where you can reliably remove or diminish the hazard, such as a post-step treatment like pasteurization. This reflects that the critical control is effective even if the hazard develops during the earlier step. Setting a CCP before the step wouldn’t directly address the hazard as it forms; a sampling program deals with monitoring rather than controlling the hazard, and a prerequisite program is a broad preventive framework, not the specific control required for a hazard likely to occur at a step. So the appropriate approach is to develop a CCP at or after that step.