In the FDA Food Protection Plan, which element builds safety in from the start?

• A. Recovery
• B. Prevention
• C. Intervention
• D. Response

Answer: (B)

Prevention is the main idea here. In the FDA Food Protection Plan, safety is built in from the start by stopping hazards before they can cause harm. This means putting preventive controls, good manufacturing practices, and proactive measures in place along the entire food chain—such as proper sanitation, employee hygiene, allergen controls, supplier verification, and process controls—so risks are minimized before they enter the system. When hazards are prevented, there’s less need for later actions.

By contrast, response focuses on actions after a problem is detected, recovery aims to return to normal after an incident, and intervention is more about addressing issues once they arise. The plan emphasizes prevention as the foundational step to keep food safe from the outset.