In HACCP, which statement best differentiates monitoring from verification?

• A. Verification is ongoing checking against critical limits.
• B. Monitoring is ongoing checking against critical limits (e.g., thermometer readings).
• C. Monitoring is optional for critical limits.
• D. Verification is only for supplier audits.

Answer: (B)

Monitoring in HACCP refers to the routine measurement of critical control points to determine whether the process stays within established critical limits, using real-time data like thermometer readings. Verification is the independent assessment that the HACCP plan is sound and being properly implemented, including activities such as calibration, record review, and validation of critical limits. The statement that monitoring involves ongoing checks against critical limits (with examples like thermometer readings) captures this real-time, ongoing aspect and how it is distinct from verification. The idea that verification is ongoing would blur the boundary between these functions, and saying monitoring is optional misstates its required role. Likewise, limiting verification to supplier audits ignores the broader set of verification activities that confirm the plan’s effectiveness.