,Chapter 1 — Inspection as the Primary Basis for Food Quality
and Safety
Stem: During a routine inbound inspection a transporter’s
refrigerated container shows surface condensation and a strong
off-odour but internal temperature records show compliance.
Which action best aligns with inspection-as-primary-basis
principles?
Options:
A. Accept shipment because temperature log is within
specification.
B. Reject the shipment and quarantine pending further
testing/assessment.
C. Release shipment after wiping condensation and
documenting the event.
D. Ignore sensory cues and rely solely on documentation
provided by shipper.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (correct): Quarantine and further assessment
prioritize sensory/physical inspection findings over a single data
source; inspection is the primary basis for detecting potential
contamination or spoilage. This aligns with the book’s emphasis
on physical inspection plus verification testing. (Elsevier Shop,
U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Why A is wrong: Relying only on temperature logs ignores
sensory/physical evidence that may indicate contamination or
instrument failure.
Why C is wrong: Wiping condensation treats a symptom, not
,assessing underlying cause (microbial/chemical hazards) —
unacceptable without testing.
Why D is wrong: Ignoring inspection contradicts best-practice
guidance that combines records with physical verification.
Teaching Point: Always combine inspection observations with
records; quarantine when physical signs conflict with data.
2.
Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — The Need for Technology and
Hard Data to Enter the Certification Arena
Stem: A cold-chain carrier wants third-party certification for
GDP/ISO-based food transport. Which technology investment
most directly supports certification evidence requirements?
Options:
A. Branded vehicle livery and marketing collateral.
B. Paper logs kept by drivers and occasional manual checks.
C. Continuous temperature data loggers with tamper-evident,
time-stamped records.
D. Non-calibrated thermometers kept in the driver’s cab.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale (correct): Certification expects auditable, tamper-
evident records showing continuous control; modern data
loggers provide time-stamped proof suitable for third-party
assessment under ISO/GDP guidance. (Elsevier Shop, ISO)
Why A is wrong: Branding has no bearing on data integrity or
food safety controls.
, Why B is wrong: Paper logs are vulnerable to errors and lack
continuous, tamper-evident capability expected by certifiers.
Why D is wrong: Non-calibrated handheld thermometers are
inadequate as primary proof of continuous temperature
control.
Teaching Point: Use calibrated, continuous logging systems for
auditable temperature control evidence.
3.
Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — Moving to Measurement and
Causal Analysis
Stem: A carrier sees repeat temperature excursions at the same
trailer bay. Which first step best applies causal-analysis
methodology?
Options:
A. Install additional insulation in the trailer immediately.
B. Replace the refrigeration unit without investigation.
C. Review the time-stamped temperature data, loading pattern,
and maintenance logs to identify root cause.
D. Increase set-point by 2°C to avoid alarms.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale (correct): Causal analysis begins with data review
across variables (time series, loading, maintenance) to identify
root causes before corrective actions. This is the measurement-
led approach promoted in the chapter. (Elsevier Shop)
Why A is wrong: Insulation may help but is a corrective action
and Safety
Stem: During a routine inbound inspection a transporter’s
refrigerated container shows surface condensation and a strong
off-odour but internal temperature records show compliance.
Which action best aligns with inspection-as-primary-basis
principles?
Options:
A. Accept shipment because temperature log is within
specification.
B. Reject the shipment and quarantine pending further
testing/assessment.
C. Release shipment after wiping condensation and
documenting the event.
D. Ignore sensory cues and rely solely on documentation
provided by shipper.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale (correct): Quarantine and further assessment
prioritize sensory/physical inspection findings over a single data
source; inspection is the primary basis for detecting potential
contamination or spoilage. This aligns with the book’s emphasis
on physical inspection plus verification testing. (Elsevier Shop,
U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Why A is wrong: Relying only on temperature logs ignores
sensory/physical evidence that may indicate contamination or
instrument failure.
Why C is wrong: Wiping condensation treats a symptom, not
,assessing underlying cause (microbial/chemical hazards) —
unacceptable without testing.
Why D is wrong: Ignoring inspection contradicts best-practice
guidance that combines records with physical verification.
Teaching Point: Always combine inspection observations with
records; quarantine when physical signs conflict with data.
2.
Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — The Need for Technology and
Hard Data to Enter the Certification Arena
Stem: A cold-chain carrier wants third-party certification for
GDP/ISO-based food transport. Which technology investment
most directly supports certification evidence requirements?
Options:
A. Branded vehicle livery and marketing collateral.
B. Paper logs kept by drivers and occasional manual checks.
C. Continuous temperature data loggers with tamper-evident,
time-stamped records.
D. Non-calibrated thermometers kept in the driver’s cab.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale (correct): Certification expects auditable, tamper-
evident records showing continuous control; modern data
loggers provide time-stamped proof suitable for third-party
assessment under ISO/GDP guidance. (Elsevier Shop, ISO)
Why A is wrong: Branding has no bearing on data integrity or
food safety controls.
, Why B is wrong: Paper logs are vulnerable to errors and lack
continuous, tamper-evident capability expected by certifiers.
Why D is wrong: Non-calibrated handheld thermometers are
inadequate as primary proof of continuous temperature
control.
Teaching Point: Use calibrated, continuous logging systems for
auditable temperature control evidence.
3.
Chapter & Subtopic: Chapter 1 — Moving to Measurement and
Causal Analysis
Stem: A carrier sees repeat temperature excursions at the same
trailer bay. Which first step best applies causal-analysis
methodology?
Options:
A. Install additional insulation in the trailer immediately.
B. Replace the refrigeration unit without investigation.
C. Review the time-stamped temperature data, loading pattern,
and maintenance logs to identify root cause.
D. Increase set-point by 2°C to avoid alarms.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale (correct): Causal analysis begins with data review
across variables (time series, loading, maintenance) to identify
root causes before corrective actions. This is the measurement-
led approach promoted in the chapter. (Elsevier Shop)
Why A is wrong: Insulation may help but is a corrective action
