What best describes performance criteria in the context of slaughter operations?

In the context of slaughter operations, performance criteria specifically refer to the benchmarks set to evaluate the effectiveness of processes aimed at controlling microbial contamination on carcasses. The correct choice accurately reflects this definition by identifying these numbers as published in regulations representing the highest expected bacterial loads when the slaughter process is functioning effectively.

These performance criteria are not enforceable standards, but rather serve as goals to ensure that the slaughter processes can minimize bacterial contamination under optimal operational control. They serve as indicators for the industry to assess whether their processes can consistently maintain hygiene and safety standards.

While assessing fecal contamination is important to ensure food safety, performance criteria specifically focus on bacterial loads tied to overall process control in slaughter operations rather than just a rough quantification of a specific type of contamination. Thus, the framing around the expected levels of bacterial counts during normal operations highlights the proactive aspect of maintaining food safety standards in the slaughter process.