When must the sanitizing step occur when cleaning and sanitizing in a threecompartment sink?
a. After rinsining
b. Before cleaning
c. After air-drying
d. Before removing food
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
a. After rinsing
Explanation:
In a three-compartment sink, the proper sequence of cleaning and sanitizing involves several crucial steps. Sanitizing occurs after rinsing because each step serves a specific purpose in removing debris, cleaning, and killing harmful microorganisms.
- Preparation: Start by scraping or soaking the dishes to remove any food particles. Pre-rinsing ensures that large debris is not carried into the washing sink.
- Step 1 – Washing: The first sink is used for washing the items with hot water and detergent. This step removes grease, dirt, and food residue but does not kill bacteria or sanitize.
- Step 2 – Rinsing: In the second sink, items are rinsed with clean, hot water to remove any detergent or soap residue. This step is essential because sanitizers are less effective when detergent or soap is present.
- Step 3 – Sanitizing: After rinsing, the items are submerged in the sanitizing solution in the third sink. Sanitizing kills or reduces the number of harmful microorganisms to safe levels. The effectiveness of sanitization depends on maintaining proper solution concentration, contact time, and temperature.
- Final Step – Air Drying: After sanitizing, items should be placed on a clean surface to air-dry. Towels should not be used for drying, as they can introduce contaminants.
Sanitizing after rinsing is critical because if detergent or debris remains on the items, the sanitizer may not be effective. Skipping or misordering these steps can lead to unsanitary conditions, posing health risks to customers and violating food safety regulations. Adhering to these steps ensures compliance with health codes and prevents the spread of foodborne illnesses.