Illinois Food Service License Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success

The food handler has created a cross-connection by allowing the end of the hose to drop into the mop bucket. A cross-connection is a point in the plumbing system where non-potable water can potentially mix with potable water. In this scenario, the mop bucket may contain contaminants from cleaning fluids, dirty water, or other substances. By submerging the hose in the mop bucket, the food handler risks drawing these contaminants back into the clean water supply if a backflow occurs. This practice can lead to serious health risks and contamination of the drinking water.

The situation is important to recognize because maintaining the integrity of the water supply is crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring safe food service operations. Proper protocols dictate that hoses should never be submerged in potentially contaminated water to avoid any risk of backflow and cross-connection.