What is the primary concern related to improper food storage?

The primary concern related to improper food storage is the growth of pathogens. When food is not stored at the correct temperatures or in suitable conditions, it can create an environment that is conducive to the rapid multiplication of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These pathogens can lead to foodborne illnesses, which pose significant health risks to consumers.

Ensuring proper food storage practices, such as maintaining appropriate temperatures for refrigeration and freezing, along with proper sealing and protection against contaminants, is essential to inhibit the growth of these harmful agents. Other factors like loss of flavor, increased cooking time, or changes in texture, while they may affect the quality of food, do not carry the same immediate threat to human health as the presence and proliferation of pathogens do. Thus, controlling pathogen growth is the foremost priority in food safety and sanitation practices.