Which is NOT one of the five ways food can become unsafe?

The correct answer is D, improper meal planning, because it does not fall within the recognized categories that directly contribute to food becoming unsafe. The five critical ways food can become unsafe primarily focus on immediate factors that lead to foodborne illnesses.

Time-temperature abuse refers to food being left out too long or not being kept at the proper temperatures, which allows harmful bacteria to grow. Cross-contamination occurs when harmful microorganisms are transferred from one food or surface to another, posing a risk to food safety. Buying from unapproved sources involves acquiring food from vendors or suppliers that do not meet safety standards, which can introduce unsafe products into the food supply.

Improper meal planning, while it may lead to issues such as food waste or not enough varied nutrition, does not directly compromise food safety in the same way as the other options. Therefore, it is not considered one of the primary ways food can become unsafe. Understanding the differences between these concepts can help ensure a better grasp of food safety principles in a food service environment.