What is a food safety audit?

A food safety audit is a systematic examination of a food operation aimed at ensuring compliance with established safety standards. This process involves assessing various aspects of food handling practices, hygiene, storage, preparation, and overall operational procedures to identify areas that may need improvement or correction to prevent foodborne illnesses.

The objective is to ensure that the business adheres to local, state, and federal regulations regarding food safety, helping to maintain a safe environment for both employees and customers. Conducting these audits regularly is crucial for maintaining high standards of food safety and protecting public health.

Other options focus on specific areas such as cleaning procedures, employee performance, and customer service, which do not encompass the broader scope of a food safety audit that evaluates compliance with safety standards across the entire operation.