Which food safety principle focuses on controlling time and temperature?

The principle that focuses on controlling time and temperature is essential to food safety because improper management of these factors can lead to foodborne illnesses. Monitoring cooking and holding temperatures ensures that food reaches the appropriate internal temperatures to kill harmful pathogens and that it is kept at safe temperatures to prevent bacterial growth.

When food is cooked, it must reach a specific temperature for a certain period of time, depending on the type of food, to ensure that any microorganisms are destroyed. Additionally, holding temperatures refer to maintaining cooked foods at safe temperatures before serving, ensuring they do not enter the "danger zone" (between 40°F and 140°F) where bacteria can quickly multiply.

The other options relate to critical aspects of food safety but do not specifically emphasize the importance of time and temperature control as directly as monitoring cooking and holding temperatures does. For example, food storage is important for keeping food fresh and safe, cleaning and sanitizing addresses the reduction of pathogens on surfaces, and personal hygiene practices focus on the health and cleanliness of food handlers. While all these aspects are vital for ensuring food safety, monitoring cooking and holding temperatures is specifically centered on the risks associated with time and temperature. This principle is the cornerstone of preventing foodborne illnesses.