---
kind: "section"
citation: "21 C.F.R. § 123.7"
title: "21"
number: "123.7"
heading: "Corrective actions."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/21/123.7"
---

# §123.7. Corrective actions.

- (a) Whenever a deviation from a critical limit occurs, a processor shall take corrective action either by:
  - (1) Following a corrective action plan that is appropriate for the particular deviation, or
  - (2) **Following the procedures in paragraph (c) of this section.**
- (b) Processors may develop written corrective action plans, which become part of their HACCP plans in accordance with [§ 123.6(c)(5)](/cfr/21/123.6.md?p=c-5), by which they predetermine the corrective actions that they will take whenever there is a deviation from a critical limit. A corrective action plan that is appropriate for a particular deviation is one that describes the steps to be taken and assigns responsibility for taking those steps, to ensure that:
  - (1) No product enters commerce that is either injurious to health or is otherwise adulterated as a result of the deviation; and
  - (2) **The cause of the deviation is corrected.**
- (c) When a deviation from a critical limit occurs and the processor does not have a corrective action plan that is appropriate for that deviation, the processor shall:
  - (1) Segregate and hold the affected product, at least until the requirements of paragraphs [(c)(2)](#c-2) and [(c)(3)](#c-3) of this section are met;
  - (2) **Perform or obtain a review to determine the acceptability of the affected product for distribution.** The review shall be performed by an individual or individuals who have adequate training or experience to perform such a review. Adequate training may or may not include training in accordance with [§ 123.10](/cfr/21/123.10.md);
  - (3) Take corrective action, when necessary, with respect to the affected product to ensure that no product enters commerce that is either injurious to health or is otherwise adulterated as a result of the deviation;
  - (4) Take corrective action, when necessary, to correct the cause of the deviation;
  - (5) Perform or obtain timely reassessment by an individual or individuals who have been trained in accordance with [§ 123.10](/cfr/21/123.10.md), to determine whether the HACCP plan needs to be modified to reduce the risk of recurrence of the deviation, and modify the HACCP plan as necessary.
- (d) All corrective actions taken in accordance with this section shall be fully documented in records that are subject to verification in accordance with [§ 123.8(a)(3)(ii)](/cfr/21/123.8.md?p=a-3-ii) and the recordkeeping requirements of [§ 123.9](/cfr/21/123.9.md).

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321, 342, 343, 346, 348, 371, 374, 379e, 381, 393; 42 U.S.C. 241, 241l, 264.

### Source

Source: 60 FR 65197, Dec. 18, 1995, unless otherwise noted.