When should food contact surfaces be sanitized?

Sanitizing food contact surfaces both before and after preparing food is essential for ensuring food safety and preventing cross-contamination. Before food preparation, sanitizing surfaces removes any potential pathogens or contaminants that could be present from previous uses. This step is crucial for maintaining a safe environment when handling raw or ready-to-eat foods.

After food preparation, sanitizing surfaces is equally important as it helps eliminate any bacteria or residues that may have been left behind during the cooking or assembly process. This practice ensures that any harmful microorganisms are destroyed, especially when surfaces are used for preparing different types of food, like switching from raw meat to vegetables.

By implementing sanitization at both stages, establishments can maintain high hygiene standards, reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, and create a safer environment for food handling.