Which statement about Alternative 3 is true?

• A. Alternative 3 is the cheapest option.
• B. Alternative 3 is a cost-effective method to meet Listeria alternatives.
• C. Alternative 3 requires additional sanitation.
• D. Alternative 3 is not an option.

Answer: (B)

Balancing effectiveness with cost is what matters when evaluating Listeria control options. Saying Alternative 3 is cost-effective means it achieves the necessary Listeria control without wasting money—giving adequate risk reduction at a reasonable price. Cost-effectiveness focuses on value, not just the cheapest option. A method can cost more upfront but provide substantially better protection, making its overall value higher than cheaper alternatives with less risk reduction. If Alternative 3 required more sanitation, that could push costs up and reduce its value compared to other choices. And since it’s described as meeting the Listeria requirements, it's indeed a viable option to consider.