Which component provides ongoing monitoring of controls?

• A. Hazard analysis
• B. Recall plan
• C. Verification procedures
• D. Procedures for monitoring

Answer: (D)

Ongoing monitoring is the routine, ongoing observation and measurement of preventive controls to ensure they’re functioning as intended. The element that directly prescribes how this surveillance is carried out—who monitors, what measurements or observations are taken, how often, and what actions to take when a deviation occurs—is the procedures for monitoring. This creates a explicit, repeatable process for continuously checking that controls are in place and effective.

Hazard analysis is the initial assessment used to identify potential hazards and design controls; it doesn’t provide the ongoing surveillance itself. A recall plan is prepared for cases where a hazard is identified and a product needs to be removed from the market, not for daily monitoring of controls. Verification procedures involve confirming that monitoring is being done correctly and that the controls are effective, but verification serves to confirm and validate the monitoring process rather than carry it out on an ongoing basis. Thus, the element that establishes the ongoing monitoring activity is the procedures for monitoring.