Which of the following is NOT part of the food safety process?

In the context of food safety, adhering to proper procedures is crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring a safe environment for both employees and customers. Ignoring temperature checks is the answer that does not align with food safety protocols. Temperature controls are essential to ensure that food is cooked, stored, and chilled at safe temperatures to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

In contrast, proper food storage, regular equipment maintenance, and cleaning and sanitizing are all key facets of the food safety process. Proper food storage prevents contamination and spoilage, regular equipment maintenance ensures that cooking and storage devices function correctly and safely, and cleaning and sanitizing help eliminate any pathogens present on surfaces and utensils. Therefore, neglecting temperature checks compromises the entire food safety system, making it a significant deviation from best practices.