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Preventive Controls Program Development

Compliant with 21 CFR §117.135 — Hazard-Based Preventive Controls

A compliant Preventive Controls Program is a core requirement of a Food Safety Plan under 21 CFR §117.135, ensuring that identified hazards are effectively controlled through risk-based, scientifically supported measures, and this service provides a structured, PCQI-led approach to developing and implementing preventive controls aligned with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), fully integrated into your overall Food Safety Plan.

Program Objective

To develop and implement a comprehensive Preventive Controls Program that:

  • • Identifies hazards requiring control based on hazard analysis
  • • Establishes risk-based preventive controls tailored to products and processes
  • • Defines monitoring, corrective action, and verification requirements
  • • Ensures compliance with FSMA Preventive Controls regulations
  • • Maintains audit-ready documentation for FDA inspections

Deliverables

1. Preventive Controls Identification & Implementation Plan

  • • Evaluation of process flow to identify hazards requiring preventive controls
  • • Determination of Critical Control Points (CCPs) where applicable
  • • Development of additional controls, including:
    • ◦ Allergen controls
    • ◦ Sanitation controls
    • ◦ Supply-chain controls
  • • Alignment with facility operations and product risks

2. Written Preventive Controls Program

  • • Development of required written procedures for each control type
  • • Integration with the Food Safety Plan under 21 CFR §117.126
  • • Customization based on facility processes and product categories

3. Process Controls

  • • Development of procedures to manage critical process parameters, including:
    • ◦ Time and temperature
    • ◦ pH and water activity
  • • Establishment of minimum and maximum critical limits
  • • Monitoring forms and documentation templates

4. Food Allergen Controls

  • • Assessment of allergen cross-contact risks across all operations
  • • Development of label control procedures to prevent misbranding under FD&C Act Section 403(w)
  • • Implementation of visual controls, segregation practices, and staff procedures

5. Sanitation Controls

  • • Procedures for cleaning and sanitizing food-contact surfaces and equipment
  • • Employee hygiene and contamination prevention protocols
  • • Controls to prevent cross-contamination and environmental risks

6. Supply-Chain Controls

  • • Integration of supply-chain program requirements under Subpart G
  • • Identification of supply-chain-applied controls
  • • Development of supplier approval and verification procedures

7. Recall Plan Integration

  • • Development or review of recall procedures in accordance with 21 CFR §117.139
  • • Definition of recall triggers, responsibilities, and communication protocols
  • • Integration with traceability and product disposition systems

8. Additional Preventive Controls & GMP Integration

  • • Development of GMP-based operational controls
  • • Hygiene and training procedures for personnel
  • • Verification processes to ensure consistent implementation

Fees and Subscriptions

Service Fee Structure

Plan Description One-Time Fee Included Support
Foundational Plan Preventive Controls for 1 Product Line $1,750 Includes process, allergen, and sanitation controls
Standard Facility Package Controls for Multi-Line Facility (Up to 5 SKUs) $3,200 Includes supplier controls, monitoring templates, and CCP documentation
Enterprise Compliance Suite Facility-wide control systems + audit simulation Custom Quote Includes validation aid, training module, and recall plan development

Ideal For

  • • FDA-regulated food facilities establishing Preventive Controls systems
  • • Contract manufacturers, co-packers, and private labelers
  • • Facilities transitioning from HACCP to HARPC compliance
  • • U.S. importers supporting preventive control requirements under FSVP
  • • Companies preparing for FDA inspections or third-party audits

Program Value

  • • Establishes a complete hazard-based preventive control system
  • • Ensures alignment with FSMA regulatory requirements
  • • Reduces food safety risks through structured control implementation
  • • Strengthens audit readiness and regulatory defensibility
  • • Supports scalable compliance across products and operations

Need Expert PCQI Support?

Partner with our experienced Preventive Controls Qualified Individuals (PCQIs) for practical FDA compliance guidance, documentation support, Food Safety Plan development, regulatory consulting, and ongoing compliance services tailored to your operation.