A _______ is a failure to meet a required critical limit resulting in a risk of a hazard at a critical control point.

A deviation refers to a failure to meet a required critical limit at a critical control point, which can result in a potential hazard to food safety. In HACCP systems, critical limits are specific criteria established to ensure the safety of food products. When a process does not adhere to these predetermined limits, it indicates a deviation, which is crucial for identifying potential risk areas within the food safety management system. Understanding deviations is vital for implementing corrective actions and maintaining compliance with safety standards, thereby ensuring that food products are safe for consumption.