What does the process of sanitization aim to achieve?

The process of sanitization specifically aims to reduce the number of microorganisms on surfaces to levels that are considered safe for public health. This is crucial in settings such as restaurants, hospitals, and food processing facilities, where hygiene standards must be upheld to prevent illness. Unlike disinfection, which may target the complete elimination of a broader range of pathogens, sanitization focuses on reducing microbial counts to a level that is acceptable and minimizes the risk of infection.

This approach is important because it recognizes that while it's beneficial to lower microorganism levels significantly, achieving total sterility is often not practical or necessary for everyday environments. Therefore, the goal of sanitization aligns with public health standards, ensuring that surfaces are safe for use without requiring an exhaustive process that might be reserved for specific medical or laboratory settings.