What is the main focus of a hazard analysis in food safety?

The main focus of a hazard analysis in food safety is to identify and assess potential hazards. This process is crucial because it allows food managers and safety professionals to recognize biological, chemical, or physical hazards that could pose risks to food safety. By understanding these hazards, appropriate controls can be established to prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure that food is safe for consumption.

Conducting a thorough hazard analysis is a foundational step in many food safety management systems, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). This proactive approach involves examining every step of the food production process, from raw material acquisition to final preparation, thereby identifying critical points where hazards may arise. By focusing on potential risks, food safety systems can implement preventive measures, monitor these hazards, and verify that methods are effective, ultimately safeguarding public health.

The other options presented, while related to various aspects of food service and management, do not pertain directly to the primary focus of hazard analysis in food safety. Evaluating food presentation, establishing employee performance metrics, and calculating food costs are important in their respective contexts but do not contribute to understanding or mitigating food safety hazards.