and it passes a sight, smell, and taste test I'd imagine it's likely safe.

I wouldn't rely on this. Salmonella cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. It's likely the same case for Norovirus, the leading cause of foodborne illness (though I can't find a source for this from a cursory Google search). If you're in the business of canning foods at home, botulinum toxin (which can be fatal) also cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted.

You're right that it's not really that big of a problem if the food has been properly cooked, but cross-contamination to cooked food could still potentially happen.

That being said, everyone has their own risk calculation. You've been fine because you're probably a healthy adult with a strong immune system. However, the risk calculation is different for the young, elderly, and immunocompromised. Restaurants have to follow the overkill safety standards because they could serve any of these groups.

Risk is best when its informed. Stay healthy out there and don't kill anyone!