Which process involves making food free from all microorganisms?

The process that involves making food free from all microorganisms is sterilizing. Sterilization refers to the complete elimination or destruction of all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. This process ensures that food is completely devoid of any potential pathogens, contributing to a higher level of food safety, especially in environments where contamination would present a significant health risk.

In contrast, cleaning refers to the removal of dirt, food particles, and spills from surfaces and equipment but does not necessarily kill microorganisms. Sanitizing, while reducing the number of microorganisms to safe levels on food contact surfaces, does not achieve the complete elimination that sterilizing does. Preserving, on the other hand, is aimed at extending the shelf life of food products through techniques such as refrigeration, canning, or drying, but does not involve the absolute elimination of microorganisms. Thus, sterilizing is the only method that guarantees food is free from all microorganisms.