Which component addresses taking corrective actions when deviations occur?

• A. Corrective action procedures
• B. Verification procedures
• C. Preventive controls
• D. Supply-chain program

Answer: (A)

Corrective action procedures are the mechanism for responding when something goes off course. When a deviation from a critical limit or specification is detected, these procedures outline how to stop the process, contain and segregate affected product, investigate the cause, determine the proper disposition (rework, reprocess, or discard), implement fixes to bring the process back under control, and verify that the corrective actions worked. Proper documentation ensures follow-up and helps prevent recurrence, which is essential in HACCP and preventive controls plans.

Verification procedures look at whether the plan is being followed and records are accurate, rather than driving the immediate response to a deviation. Preventive controls aim to stop deviations from occurring in the first place, not the actions taken after a deviation happens. A supply-chain program focuses on supplier controls and incoming materials, not the in-house response to deviations.