The water supply at a food establishment is shut off for many hours. What should the Person in Charge (PIC) ?do if another source of drinking water is not available?
Stop serving food until the water is restored.
Prepare and serve only precooked items.
Continue operations until notified by the health authority to stop.
Serve items that were prepared before the outage using single-use utensils.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Stop serving food until the water is restored.
Explanation:
Water is an essential resource in a food establishment for food preparation, dishwashing, handwashing, and maintaining overall sanitation. If the water supply is shut off for an extended period and there is no alternative source of potable water, the Person in Charge (PIC) must stop all food service operations until water is restored to ensure the safety of both employees and customers.
- Health and Safety Regulations
Food safety laws and health regulations require that food establishments have access to safe, potable water. Without it, essential hygiene practices such as handwashing, cleaning utensils, and sanitizing food contact surfaces become impossible. This increases the risk of foodborne illness and contamination. - Handwashing and Hygiene Concerns
Employees must be able to wash their hands properly to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. Without running water, staff cannot maintain proper hand hygiene, which is a major violation of food safety protocols. - Food Preparation and Cleaning
Many food items require water for preparation, including washing fresh produce, cooking, and making beverages. In addition, dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment need to be cleaned and sanitized after use. Without water, cross-contamination can occur, leading to unsafe food. - Violation of Health Codes
Health departments require food establishments to have an adequate supply of clean water. Operating without water can lead to health code violations, fines, or even closure by authorities. - Customer Safety and Business Reputation
Continuing operations without water can result in customers getting sick, which can damage the establishment’s reputation and lead to potential lawsuits. It is always safer to pause operations until the water supply is restored.