What is the difference between cleaning and sanitizing?

The distinction between cleaning and sanitizing is fundamental in food safety and hygiene practices. Cleaning involves the removal of visible dirt, food particles, grease, and other debris from surfaces and equipment. This process typically uses soap or detergent in combination with water. A surface that is simply cleaned may still harbor harmful microorganisms.

Sanitizing, on the other hand, refers to the process of reducing the number of germs on a clean surface to safe levels as deemed by public health standards. This is accomplished using chemical sanitizers or heat, which effectively kill bacteria and other pathogens that might still be present after cleaning.

Understanding this difference is crucial in food safety, as both steps are necessary to ensure environments are safe for food preparation and consumption. By first cleaning and then sanitizing, food handlers can prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and maintain high hygiene standards in their operations.