What risk does proper food safety training help mitigate?

Proper food safety training is crucial in reducing health risks related to foodborne illnesses, which can have serious and sometimes life-threatening consequences for consumers. This training equips food handlers with the knowledge and skills to prevent contamination, understand proper cooking and temperature controls, maintain hygiene, and recognize safe food storage practices. By following these guidelines, food service workers can significantly decrease the likelihood of pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, leading to foodborne illnesses.

The other options focus on operational or logistical issues rather than directly addressing health concerns. While unnecessary costs or variety in menus can impact a food business’s profitability and customer satisfaction, the primary goal of food safety training is to protect public health. Thus, the mitigation of health risks is the most critical outcome of effective food safety training.