What procedures must food establishments follow to ensure food safety?

Food establishments must adhere to regular temperature checks, sanitation practices, and proper storage methods to ensure food safety. This approach is critical because maintaining appropriate temperatures for food storage and preparation reduces the risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illnesses. Sanitation practices, including frequent cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment, further minimize the risk of contamination. Additionally, proper storage methods—such as keeping raw and cooked foods separate and ensuring that food is stored at the right temperatures—help to maintain the integrity and safety of food products throughout their handling and preparation processes.

While the other options may play a role in the overall operation of a food establishment, they do not directly address the ongoing practices necessary for food safety. Monthly inspections, while important, are not sufficient on their own to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Permit applications and health surveys are part of the regulatory framework but do not constitute active measures taken in the day-to-day management of food safety. Customer feedback forms can provide valuable insights into customer experiences but are not a proactive safety measure. Therefore, option B encompasses the essential practices that food establishments must regularly implement to uphold food safety standards.