Which operation is able to use a defense of reasonable care against lawsuits?

• A. A chain of quick-service taco stands that has one of its store supervisors certified in sanitation
• B. An operation that grows its own bean sprouts on site in order to ensure that the product is fresh
• C. An operation that smokes their own seafood products and has a HACCP plan in place
• D. A restaurant that purchases produce from a local farmer who has won prizes for tasty vegetables

Answer: (C)

A defense of reasonable care against lawsuits rests on showing a formal, preventive food-safety program is in place and actively followed. Having a HACCP plan demonstrates a systematic approach to identifying and controlling hazards at critical points, plus ongoing monitoring and corrective steps. This combination provides a stronger basis for reasonable care than isolated sanitation certifications, growing sprouts on-site (which helps freshness but doesn’t prove safety controls), in-house smoking without documented safety procedures, or sourcing from a local farmer (which speaks to quality, not safety systems). Therefore, the operation with a HACCP plan is the best choice because it shows verifiable, proactive safety procedures.