What is the main goal of a food safety audit?

The main goal of a food safety audit is to assess compliance with food safety regulations and identify areas for improvement. This process is crucial because it helps ensure that food handling and preparation methods meet established safety standards designed to prevent foodborne illnesses. By systematically evaluating practices, procedures, and records, the audit can highlight strengths and weaknesses within the food safety management system.

Regular audits promote accountability and vigilance in food safety practices, and they serve as a means to proactively address potential risks before they lead to violations or health hazards. This focus on compliance and improvement ultimately creates a safer food environment for both consumers and employees. The other options, while relevant to different aspects of business operations, do not capture the primary objective of a food safety audit in the context of maintaining food safety standards.