Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

What should be done if a food establishment is found to be non-compliant during an inspection?

1. Ignore the findings

2. Immediately close the establishment

3. Implement corrective actions as directed

4. Call for a re-inspection

The correct answer is: Implement corrective actions as directed

The most appropriate action when a food establishment is found to be non-compliant during an inspection is to implement corrective actions as directed. This response is grounded in the principle that inspections are intended to ensure food safety and compliance with regulations. When non-compliances are identified, it is crucial for the establishment to address the specific issues highlighted in the inspection report. By implementing corrective actions, the establishment shows a commitment to maintaining food safety standards. This may involve making immediate changes to processes, training staff on proper procedures, or fixing physical issues related to food safety. This proactive approach not only helps in rectifying the situation but also fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the establishment. Ignoring the findings disregards the importance of regulatory requirements and can lead to severe consequences, including further violations and potential harm to public health. Closing the establishment immediately may be warranted in severe cases, but it is not the standard response for all non-compliance issues and usually requires more significant risk factors. Calling for a re-inspection could be necessary after corrective measures have been put in place, but it should follow the implementation of those actions rather than be the immediate response to non-compliance.