Final answer:
The statement is false; a HACCP plan may still be required regardless of whether a variance has been requested. HACCP is crucial for managing food safety in establishments handling high-risk products to prevent foodborne illness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a HACCP plan is not required when a variance has not been requested is False. HACCP, which stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, is a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling, to manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of the finished product. It is required for certain types of food establishments, especially those that handle high-risk foods, irrespective of whether a variance has been requested.
A variance is a regulatory permission to deviate from standard practices; however, it does not exempt an establishment from having a HACCP plan if it is otherwise required. Facilities that process meat, poultry, and seafood, for example, typically must have a HACCP plan in place to ensure food safety. Adherence to the HACCP principles is critical to prevent foodborne illnesses and protect public health.