What does a pH level of 7 indicate?

A pH level of 7 indicates neutrality in the context of the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14. This scale is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A pH level below 7 is considered acidic, while a level above 7 is classified as alkaline (or basic). For instance, pure water has a pH of 7, which means it is neither acidic nor alkaline, serving as a reference point on the scale. The significance of a neutral pH level is important in food safety, as many bacteria thrive in environments that are not neutral, making the understanding of pH crucial for food preservation and safety practices.