Which of the following is essential for ensuring food safety in a restaurant?

Regular staff training and compliance checks are fundamental to ensuring food safety in a restaurant. These practices educate employees about proper food handling techniques, sanitation standards, and the importance of adhering to health regulations. When staff members are well-trained, they are more likely to recognize hazardous situations, such as cross-contamination or improper food storage, and take corrective action before any issues arise. Compliance checks, which often involve monitoring and reviewing adherence to food safety protocols, reinforce these practices and ensure that staff stays vigilant about maintaining a safe environment for food preparation and service.

In contrast, offering a diverse menu with exotic ingredients does not inherently guarantee food safety. While interesting menus can attract customers, they require a strong understanding of food safety specific to those ingredients, which may not be supported without adequate training. Publishing customer reviews may enhance a restaurant's reputation or influence customer choices, but it does not impact the operational practices that are crucial for food safety. Lastly, utilizing expensive kitchen equipment might improve efficiency or cooking quality, but it does not replace the need for well-trained staff in maintaining food safety standards.