How should food contact surfaces be sanitized properly?

To properly sanitize food contact surfaces, the correct method involves first washing the surfaces with soap and hot water to remove any food residues, grease, and dirt. Hot water is particularly effective in breaking down these substances, and soap helps to lift them away from the surfaces. Once the surface is clean, applying a sanitizer is necessary to kill any remaining bacteria and viruses that could contaminate food. This two-step process—cleaning and then sanitizing—ensures that surfaces are not only free of visible debris but also safe for food contact.

Sanitizing with a solution alone, without prior cleaning, is insufficient because it does not address the buildup of food particles and soil that can harbor pathogens. Simply rinsing with cold water, using sanitizer only, or wiping with a dry cloth do not provide the necessary cleanliness and disinfection to ensure food safety. Therefore, the method of washing with soap and hot water followed by sanitizing is the correct and effective practice to maintain hygiene in food handling areas.