In FSIS terminology, which term refers to a concrete, measurable goal such as a specific log reduction or growth cap set by a processor?

• A. Performance standard
• B. Target
• C. Critical limit
• D. Performance criteria

Answer: (B)

A target is the concrete, measurable goal set by the processor. It specifies the exact performance the process aims to achieve, such as a specific log reduction or a growth cap, and it guides how the process is monitored and verified. This makes it the best fit for describing a concrete objective you strive to reach, rather than a boundary or standard.

Why the others don’t fit as the goal: a critical limit is a boundary that must not be crossed to keep safety intact; it triggers corrective action if it’s exceeded, not a forward-looking objective. A performance standard is a regulatory or policy-based requirement, not the processor’s own specific goal. Performance criteria are the detailed conditions used to judge whether performance meets a standard, but they describe how you evaluate success, not the explicit target you’re aiming for.