Food defense refers to the act of preventing what kind of contamination?

Food defense specifically addresses the prevention of intentional contamination of food. This concept is crucial in safeguarding food supplies against malicious acts such as sabotage or terrorism. The primary goal of food defense is to protect public health and the integrity of the food supply by identifying and mitigating risks that could lead to intentional harm. This can include strategies for securing facilities, screening employees, and implementing monitoring systems to detect threats before they occur.

Understanding the distinction between intentional and unintentional contamination is vital. While unintentional contamination can occur due to mishandling or accidents, food defense focuses squarely on deliberate actions meant to cause harm. This includes potential threats posed by individuals or groups that want to compromise food safety for various reasons. Thus, the emphasis on intentional contamination in food defense aligns directly with the strategies used to mitigate those targeted risks.