When must the cleaning step occur when cleaning and sanitizing in a three- compartment sink?
a. Before rinsing
b. After sanitizing
c. Alter towel-drying
d. Before removing food
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is d. Before removing food.
In a three-compartment sink, the cleaning step must occur before removing food, and this step is essential to ensure that surfaces are free from contaminants before sanitizing and rinsing. Here’s how the entire process works:
Step 1: Washing (Cleaning)
The first step in the three-compartment sink system is washing. In this step, food residue, grease, and dirt are removed using a detergent. The sink compartment is filled with hot water (typically around 110°F to 120°F) and detergent. The items to be cleaned (such as dishes, utensils, or equipment) are scrubbed to remove any visible food debris and contaminants. This step is essential because, if food particles or dirt are left on the surface, they can block the action of the sanitizer in the next step, making sanitization ineffective.
Important: Cleaning must always be done before rinsing and sanitizing because you cannot sanitize effectively if the surface is dirty. The process of cleaning physically removes soil and contaminants, which is the first requirement for effective sanitation. If food residues are left on dishes, bacteria and viruses could remain, even after sanitizing.
Step 2: Rinsing
After cleaning, the items are rinsed to remove any detergent and loose particles. Rinsing ensures that no detergent residue is left on the surfaces, which could interfere with the sanitizing solution.
Step 3: Sanitizing
The final step is sanitizing, which is done in the third compartment of the sink. Sanitizing solutions, such as chlorine or quaternary ammonium compounds, are used to kill any remaining bacteria or viruses that could cause foodborne illnesses. The sanitizing step only works if the items have been properly cleaned and rinsed beforehand.
In conclusion, cleaning must always come before sanitizing, and it occurs before any food debris is removed to ensure that the sanitizing step can effectively reduce harmful microorganisms on the items being washed.