This document provides examples and advice for manufacturers and processors to establish their own microbial targets and limits to meet the preventive control requirements about using microbiological testing for pathogens (or appropriate indicator organisms) to verify process control for pathogens in RTE foods under FDA's jurisdiction. These decisions are made by each firm based on their facility, ingredients used, processing, packaging, level of anticipated control, shelf life of the product, intended use, or potential storage and handling at retail or by the consumer. © 2022 International Association for Food Protection. All rights reserved.