Which of the following is a critical control point in food safety?

Cooking is considered a critical control point in food safety because it is one of the key steps in the food preparation process where harmful microorganisms are effectively destroyed. Proper cooking ensures that foods reach a safe internal temperature that is high enough to eliminate pathogens, which can cause foodborne illnesses. This step is crucial in preventing health risks associated with undercooked or improperly handled food.

While purchasing ingredients, food storage, and garnishing plates are all important aspects of food safety, they do not directly influence the immediate reduction of pathogens as cooking does. Purchasing ingredients is more about sourcing safe products, food storage focuses on maintaining safety before food preparation, and garnishing plates does not impact the microbially safety of the food being served. These components are necessary to maintain overall food safety but do not serve as critical control points in the same way cooking does.