What does the term "sanitize" primarily aim to achieve?

The term "sanitize" primarily aims to reduce the number of microorganisms on a surface to safe levels as established by public health standards. This means that while sanitization does decrease the presence of harmful pathogens, it does not necessarily eliminate them completely, which is the goal of disinfection. Therefore, the objective is to bring microbial counts down to a level that is considered safe for public health, rather than to achieve sterile conditions.

Reduction of microorganisms is critical in various settings, particularly in food service and healthcare, where it is essential to minimize the risk of infection or illness. This process ensures that surfaces are not entirely pathogen-free but are managed to a level that significantly reduces the risk of spreading disease, making it a practical approach for daily cleaning and health safety.