What is the maximum number of positive Salmonella results allowed under the Salmonella Verification Testing Program?

• A. 5 positives out of 51 samples or 7.5%
• B. 3 positives out of 60 samples
• C. 2 positives out of 40 samples
• D. 10 positives out of 100 samples

Answer: (A)

This tests understanding of the tolerance built into the Salmonella Verification Testing Program. The program defines a maximum number of positive Salmonella results that are allowed within a verification sample set. The permissible threshold is five positives in about fifty-one samples, which corresponds to the stated allowance in this item. This limit is there to account for natural variability and occasional contamination that can occur despite good controls, while still signaling a potential problem if the number of positives exceeds the threshold.

When the results stay at or below that limit, the facility’s verification testing supports ongoing control of Salmonella. If more positives are identified, it prompts investigation, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions to improve the sanitation and process controls. The other proposed thresholds do not reflect this program’s specified limit, so they aren’t the correct choice for this question.