Corrective action, Food Safety Glossary

The predefined steps taken when monitoring shows a critical control point is not under control.

Frequently asked questions

What are the two parts of a corrective action?

Dealing with the affected food, and correcting the cause of the problem so it does not recur.

Should corrective actions be written down in advance?

Yes. Predefining corrective actions means staff know what to do immediately, which reduces the risk of unsafe food reaching customers.

Do I have to throw food out every time?

Not always. The right action depends on the food and how far the limit was exceeded. Sometimes food can be re-chilled or cooked further, but unsafe food must be discarded.

Why record corrective actions?

Records show the problem was managed properly, support a due diligence defence and help identify recurring issues that need a permanent fix.

Who decides the corrective action?

The corrective action is usually set out in the food safety program or procedures, and the food safety supervisor or manager confirms it was carried out correctly.

Monitoring Critical control point (CCP) Critical limit Due diligence Record keeping Food safety glossary Food safety guides
Home Features Free Tools Food Safety Australia Food Safety Glossary Blog Pricing About Contact