Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

What is the main focus of HACCP principles?

1. To promote business profitability

2. To ensure the quality of ingredients used

3. To identify and control potential hazards in food production

4. To enhance customer service experience

The correct answer is: To identify and control potential hazards in food production

The primary focus of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) principles is to identify and control potential hazards in food production. This systematic preventive approach is designed to ensure food safety by recognizing biological, chemical, and physical hazards that could pose risks to food safety. Once these hazards are identified, critical control points in the production process are established where these risks can be effectively managed and mitigated. HACCP is built upon seven fundamental principles that guide businesses in developing and maintaining an effective food safety management system. It is essential in preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring that food products are safe for consumption, rather than merely focusing on profitability, ingredient quality, or customer service. While those aspects are important in the food industry, they are secondary to the core objective, which is the protection of public health through rigorous hazard control.