As a minimum, how often must a utility program be run to identify potentially hazardous item records that do not have an issue exception (IEX) code or health hazard flag (HHF) assigned?

The correct answer is that a utility program must be run at a minimum of monthly intervals to identify potentially hazardous item records lacking an issue exception (IEX) code or health hazard flag (HHF).

Running the utility program monthly ensures that any items posing a safety risk are regularly reviewed and addressed in a timely manner. This frequency helps maintain safety and compliance, as hazardous items need to be monitored closely to prevent unintended exposure or misuse. By identifying these items monthly, adequate measures can be taken to mitigate risks or assign the appropriate codes to manage their status effectively.

Other options suggest either more frequent or less frequent monitoring, which may not align with the minimum requirement established for safety protocols. Daily and weekly checks could lead to unnecessary resource expenditure, while quarterly checks might not catch issues in a timely fashion, potentially leaving hazardous items unaddressed for too long. Thus, the monthly frequency strikes a balance that allows for both thorough safety management and efficient use of resources.