Define the term ‘sanitize’ in the context of food safety.

The term ‘sanitize’ in the context of food safety refers specifically to the process of reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level on food contact surfaces. This is a critical step in ensuring food safety, as it helps minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses that can result from harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.

Sanitizing involves both cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning removes dirt and food particles, while disinfecting kills or inactivates harmful microorganisms. It's important to emphasize that sanitizing does not mean eliminating all microorganisms; instead, it focuses on reducing their levels to safe thresholds as defined by health standards.

Options that refer only to cleaning surfaces with soap or imply complete destruction of all living microorganisms oversimplify or misrepresent the process of sanitizing. Maintaining food flavor is irrelevant in the context of sanitization, as the primary goal is to ensure safety rather than focusing on sensory characteristics. Thus, the correct answer accurately captures the essence of what sanitizing entails within food safety practices.