Basic Food Safety: Chapter 5 "Cleaning and Sanitizing" (English)

Summary

This segment focuses on the crucial differences between cleaning and sanitizing, highlighting the importance of both in maintaining food safety. Cleaning involves using soap and water to remove dirt, while sanitizing uses chemicals or heat to kill germs. It covers proper dishwashing techniques, emphasizing the three-sink method for handwashing and the importance of correct sanitizing solutions. Additionally, it offers tips on using commercial dishwashers, proper storage of clean dishes, and handling utensils to prevent contamination. These steps ensure safer food contact surfaces by reducing germs and maintaining hygiene standards.

Takeaways

• 🧽 Cleaning and sanitizing are different: Cleaning uses soap and water, while sanitizing uses chemicals or heat to kill germs.
• 🔍 Surfaces that appear clean may still harbor germs, and sanitizing reduces them to safer levels.
• 🍽️ Food contact surfaces must be washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use to prevent illness.
• 🧪 Follow label directions for sanitizers and never mix soap with sanitizers; use test strips to ensure proper strength.
• ♻️ Sanitizing solutions should be replaced regularly as dirt, grease, and food particles reduce their effectiveness.
• 🧴 Store wiping cloths in clean sanitizing solutions to keep them effective.
• 🧼 Hand-washing dishes follows a three-sink method: wash in hot soapy water, rinse in clean hot water, and sanitize in a third sink.
• 📏 Air drying is crucial as towels can harbor bacteria; never towel dry dishes.
• 🔧 Mechanical dishwashers require temperature and sanitizer monitoring to ensure proper cleaning and sanitization.
• 🍴 Always handle clean dishes and utensils by their non-contact parts and store them properly to avoid contamination.

Q & A

What is the main difference between cleaning and sanitizing?

Cleaning uses soap and water to remove dirt and food from surfaces, while sanitizing uses chemicals or heat to kill germs, reducing them to safer levels.

Why is it important to both clean and sanitize food contact surfaces?

Cleaning removes visible dirt and debris, while sanitizing reduces germs that can cause illness, ensuring surfaces are safe for food preparation and consumption.

How should chemical sanitizers be mixed and used?

Chemical sanitizers must be mixed according to the label’s directions. Soap should never be added to sanitizers, and test strips should be used to ensure the solution is at the correct concentration.

What is the correct procedure for washing dishes by hand?

The procedure involves three steps: wash dishes in hot, soapy water in the first sink, rinse them with clean, hot water in the second sink, and sanitize them by soaking in warm water with an approved sanitizer in the third sink. Always air dry the dishes.

Why is it important to air dry dishes instead of towel drying them?

Towel drying can breed bacteria, especially if towels are left wet, which can contaminate the dishes.

What should you monitor when using a commercial dishwasher to ensure proper sanitization?

You should monitor temperature gauges and sanitizer levels to ensure dishes are reaching the correct temperatures for sanitization.

What are some best practices for loading a commercial dishwasher?

Best practices include scraping leftover food from dishes, stacking dishes in dish racks without overlapping, placing glasses and bowls upside down, and standing plates and flatware edgewise to allow proper water circulation.

What should be done if a dish comes out of the dishwasher chipped or cracked?

Chipped or cracked dishware should be removed from service immediately to avoid contamination or injury.

How should clean dishes and utensils be stored to prevent contamination?

Clean dishes and utensils should be stored upside down and at least 6 inches off the floor in clean, dry areas. Utensils should be handled by the handles only, avoiding contact with the parts that touch food or guests' mouths.

Why is it important not to touch the part of a dish or utensil that a guest's mouth will touch?

Touching the part of a dish or utensil that comes in contact with a guest’s mouth can transfer germs, leading to potential contamination and illness.