What is meant by food safety?

Food safety refers to the practices and conditions that preserve the quality of food and prevent foodborne illnesses. The correct interpretation of food safety encompasses the safeguarding of food to ensure it is safe for consumption and doesn't cause harm to the consumer's health. This includes a variety of measures such as proper handling, cooking, storage, and sanitation practices.

In contrast, while the regulatory framework for food businesses is an important aspect of ensuring food safety, it is more about the laws and regulations governing food production and sales rather than a direct definition of food safety itself. The process of cooking food thoroughly also plays a critical role in preventing foodborne illnesses but is just one component of the larger concept of food safety. Lastly, a marketing strategy for restaurants focuses on promoting food offerings and attracting customers, which does not relate to the safety or health aspects of food. Thus, the safeguarding of food from harm to consumer’s health best captures the essence of what food safety entails.