Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

Initiation of a traceback investigation usually begins when epidemiological evidence implicates a food product and what other factor?

1. the incident commander files the necessary paperwork

2. hazard analysis shows that other contributing factors were not to blame

3. consumers report foodborne illness symptoms

4. product samples show signs of contamination/adulteration

The correct answer is: product samples show signs of contamination/adulteration

The initiation of a traceback investigation is critical when foodborne illness outbreaks are identified. When epidemiological evidence implicates a specific food product, this naturally raises the need to investigate further. Product samples showing signs of contamination or adulteration are a key factor in making this decision. These samples can provide concrete evidence that the food item in question is indeed the source of the illness, thereby necessitating a thorough investigation to track its distribution and prevent further illness. In this context, having confirmed contamination helps narrow down the source of the problem and leads to actionable steps, such as recalling products or preventing further distribution. This corroborative evidence supports the initial epidemiological findings and makes it appropriate to initiate traceback procedures. Other factors, like paperwork from an incident commander or reports from consumers, while potentially relevant, do not carry the same weight as direct evidence of contamination in prompting immediate investigative action. Additionally, hazard analysis that discounts other contributing factors can be useful but typically comes later in the process once an initial investigation is underway.