I think many just misunderstand what the food safety guidelines are. The USDA gives you instructions that if you attempt to follow, you will (almost certainly) be safe from any remotely common sources of problems. What it isn't is a set of rules that you absolutely will get in trouble if you violate any of them, or the only possible way to be safe.
> I think many just misunderstand what the food safety guidelines are. The USDA gives you instructions that if you attempt to follow, you will (almost certainly) be safe from any remotely common sources of problems.
I agree with this. But the reason that "many misunderstand what the food safety guidelines are" is because of how they're worded. They're worded as if, if you don't follow them then you will definitely get in trouble.