What does the process of sanitizing mean?

The process of sanitizing refers specifically to the action of killing or reducing pathogens to a safe level on surfaces or in water, which is crucial in food safety practices. Sanitizing is done to minimize the risk of foodborne illness by ensuring that harmful microorganisms are effectively reduced. The goal is to achieve a level of sanitation that is safe for public health, which typically involves the use of chemical sanitizers or heat.

While other options are related to cleanliness and food safety—such as removing dirt and food residues, which is important in the cleaning process, and maintaining clean surfaces, which is part of overall hygiene practices—these actions do not specifically address the reduction of pathogens. Storing food at the correct temperature is vital for preventing microbial growth but does not fall under the definition of sanitizing either. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the specific primary focus of sanitizing within the broader context of food safety.