The term "sanitizing" specifically refers to reducing microorganisms to a safe level as determined by ______________.

The term "sanitizing" refers to the process of reducing the number of microorganisms on a surface to a safe level, which is typically defined by health codes. These health codes are established by regulatory agencies and are designed to ensure public health and safety in food handling and preparation environments. They provide specific guidelines about the types of sanitizing methods and the required levels of microbial reduction necessary to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.

While industry standards and safety regulations may also reference similar concepts, health codes are the authoritative source that dictates what constitutes a "safe level" specifically in relation to public health. Personal preference is subjective and not a reliable criteria for determining safety levels in food handling practices. Thus, understanding the context of health codes is essential for recognizing the importance of sanitizing in maintaining food safety standards.