Question

why do pathogens pose an increasing challenge to food safety in an operation?
strains of pathogens are stronger than ever before.
pathogens can no longer be eliminated from food products.
pathogens are being found on food items once considered safe.
it is harder to prevent pathogens from causing foodborne illness.

Explanation:

Pathogens are being found on food items once considered safe. This means that the range of food products that can potentially harbor pathogens has expanded. Previously, certain foods were thought to be low - risk or safe, but now pathogens are detected on them. This increases the complexity of food safety operations as more food items need to be monitored and controlled for pathogen presence. For example, some ready - to - eat foods that were once assumed to be safe may now have pathogen contamination issues.

Answer:

Pathogens are being found on food items once considered safe.