Food safety regulations aim to protect which of the following?

Food safety regulations are fundamentally designed to protect public health by establishing standards and guidelines for the safe handling, preparation, and storage of food. These regulations ensure that food products are free from harmful contaminants, pathogens, and unsafe additives that could pose risks to consumers when ingested. By enforcing these standards, regulations help prevent foodborne illnesses and outbreaks, contributing to the overall safety and well-being of the population.

In contrast, while nutrition education initiatives, quality control in food manufacturing, and food marketing strategies are important aspects of the food system, they do not primarily focus on the safety of food handling practices. The core intent of food safety regulations is to maintain public health, making it the most appropriate answer to the question.