Which monitoring method addresses staff understanding the importance of CCPs, target values, and critical limits?

Competency testing is a method that ensures staff members understand key concepts related to food safety, such as the significance of critical control points (CCPs), target values, and critical limits. This understanding is crucial for maintaining the safety and quality of food in any food service operation. By conducting competency tests, managers can assess whether employees are knowledgeable about how to implement and monitor these important parameters effectively. Training through competency testing not only reinforces what staff have learned but also provides an opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings they may have regarding the procedures that help prevent foodborne illnesses.

Other methods may not focus directly on staff comprehension. Verification might involve checking that procedures are being followed correctly, while audits typically assess compliance with standards and regulations. The sensory methods of smell, touch, and sight relate more to product quality evaluation rather than the underlying principles that guide food safety practices. Competency testing directly targets the employees' grasp of critical concepts, ensuring they are fully prepared to manage food safety effectively in their roles.