What is the primary purpose of a food safety audit?

The primary purpose of a food safety audit is to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. This process involves a systematic examination of the practices and procedures related to food handling, storage, preparation, and delivery to confirm that they adhere to established health and safety standards. Compliance is crucial because it helps prevent foodborne illnesses and ensures that food businesses operate within the legal requirements set forth by regulatory agencies.

Through the audit process, various aspects of food safety are evaluated, including sanitation practices, employee training, temperature control, and pest management. By identifying potential hazards and areas for improvement during the audit, food establishments can enhance their safety protocols, protect consumers, and maintain their license to operate.

The other options, while they might be relevant in certain contexts, do not represent the primary goal of a food safety audit. Promoting new food products, reducing food costs, or assessing employee performance are not the central focuses of these audits, which are designed with safety compliance as the foremost concern.