Final answer:
The number of food safety audits per year varies and is determined by local, state, and federal regulations as well as corporate policies. Food safety is critical in preventing foodborne diseases, which affect millions annually in the U.S. The CDC provides data on foodborne illness cases to illustrate this public health challenge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The frequency at which stores receive food safety audits can vary widely depending on the type of store, the location, and the regulations set by local, state, and federal agencies. There is no universal standard as such regulations are often set by individual local health departments or as required by corporate policies.
Food safety is a critical issue as foodborne diseases are a significant public health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 76 million cases of foodborne diseases in the United States each year, which emphasizes the need for stringent food safety practices. Businesses may conduct internal audits more frequently to ensure quality control and regulatory compliance, but external audits by regulators can vary from multiple times per year to less than annually.