Which factor should be evaluated to determine if a preventive control is effective?

Which factor should be evaluated to determine if a preventive control is effective?

• A. Does it require specialized training?
• B. Does it actually control the identified hazard?
• C. Is it inexpensive?
• D. Does it take long to implement?

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that a preventive control is effective only if it actually controls the identified hazard. It’s not enough that the control exists, is easy to train for, or is inexpensive or quick to implement; you need evidence that it reduces or eliminates the hazard to an acceptable level and keeps it there. This is shown through validation of the control parameters, ongoing monitoring data, and verification with corrective actions when results indicate the hazard is not adequately controlled. For example, a sanitation step is effective only if validation demonstrates the expected reduction in the targeted microorganism and monitoring confirms that the reduction is consistently maintained, with corrective actions taken if levels rise.

The key idea is that a preventive control is effective only if it actually controls the identified hazard. It’s not enough that the control exists, is easy to train for, or is inexpensive or quick to implement; you need evidence that it reduces or eliminates the hazard to an acceptable level and keeps it there. This is shown through validation of the control parameters, ongoing monitoring data, and verification with corrective actions when results indicate the hazard is not adequately controlled. For example, a sanitation step is effective only if validation demonstrates the expected reduction in the targeted microorganism and monitoring confirms that the reduction is consistently maintained, with corrective actions taken if levels rise.