food safety

This term refers to a technical and regulatory framework rather than a simple state of being safe. It encompasses the entire supply chain, from production and processing to distribution and consumption, focusing on the prevention of contamination by pathogens, chemicals, or foreign objects.

In professional and legal contexts, it is often associated with specific standards such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). While "food hygiene" focuses on the cleanliness of the environment and the person handling the food, "food safety" is a broader umbrella term that includes systemic risk management and scientific validation of safety protocols.