Which statement correctly describes RLTO hazard controls?

• A. A hazard that is only theoretical
• B. A hazard that is eliminated by marketing alone
• C. A hazard for which a prudent establishment would establish controls because it historically has occurred or because there is a reasonable possibility that it will occur in the particular type of product being processed, in the absence of these controls
• D. A hazard that never occurs

Answer: (C)

RLTO hazard controls are preventive measures designed for hazards that are reasonably likely to occur in the product or its processing. The idea is to focus on risks that have a real chance of arising based on how the product is made, drawing on historical data or credible reasoning about the process. Those hazards deserve controls even if they’re not absolutely certain to happen, because leaving them unaddressed would leave the product at meaningful risk.

This is different from hazards that are purely theoretical (they don’t occur in practice) or hazards that never occur, which don’t require these targeted controls. It’s also not something marketing can solve on its own; controlling RLTO hazards relies on the production controls themselves rather than external assurances.

In practice, if a hazard has occurred in the past or there’s a reasonable possibility it could occur for that specific product and process, a prudent establishment would implement controls to prevent, reduce, or eliminate that hazard to an acceptable level.