A quantifiable pathogen reduction level or growth limit requirement set by FSIS for certain products is called a:

A quantifiable pathogen reduction level or growth limit requirement set by FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service) for certain food products is referred to as a performance standard. Performance standards are established to ensure that specific food safety objectives are met, particularly in relation to the reduction of pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses. By defining clear and measurable targets, performance standards guide the industry in implementing effective food safety practices and controlling biological hazards.

This concept is integral to FSIS's regulatory framework, as it helps in assessing the safety of food products and ensuring that the necessary controls are in place. Performance standards are often based on scientific research and risk assessments, which provide the rationale for the specific levels required in different food products.

In contrast, terms like target or performance criteria might suggest goals or benchmarks but do not encapsulate the regulatory weight and specific quantification that a performance standard entails. A critical limit pertains more specifically to process controls in hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) systems where specific criteria must be met to ensure food safety, rather than overall pathogen reduction goals defined by FSIS.