If a food process is not standard, what is needed from regulatory authority?

• A. A license
• B. A variance
• C. A certificate
• D. A permit

Answer: (B)

When a food process isn’t covered by the approved, standard methods, you need formal authorization to depart from those standards. This is a variance, a special approval from the regulatory authority that lets you use the non‑standard process under additional controls. The variance process centers on demonstrating safety through validation, risk assessment, and enhanced monitoring and recordkeeping to protect public health. It differs from a general license, certificate, or permit, which are broad credentials for operating but don’t specifically authorize deviating from approved processing methods. So for a non‑standard food process, obtaining a variance is required to proceed legally and safely.