Which statement best differentiates cleaning from sanitizing in microbial control?

• A. Cleaning removes visible soil; sanitizing reduces microorganisms to safe levels according to regulatory standards.
• B. Sanitizing removes visible soil; cleaning reduces microorganisms to safe levels.
• C. Cleaning and sanitizing are the same and both ensure zero pathogens.
• D. Sanitizing eliminates all microorganisms on a surface.

Answer: (A)