Illinois Food Service License Practice Test

A food handler stores a sanitizer bottle on the shelf above the prep table that had just been sanitized. Throughout the day, the food handler uses the sanitizer on the prep table, storing it in the same spot. What should the food handler have done differently?

1. Store the sanitizer bottle in the refrigerator

2. Keep the sanitizer bottle in a warm area

3. Store the sanitizer bottle away from the prep area

4. Share the sanitizer bottle with other handlers

The correct answer is: Store the sanitizer bottle away from the prep area

The food handler should have stored the sanitizer bottle away from the prep area to maintain food safety and prevent potential contamination. Storing the sanitizer above the prep table poses a risk of accidental spills or drips, which could contaminate the sanitized surface or food that is being prepared. Proper storage of sanitizing solutions should prioritize maintaining a clean and safe food preparation space, ensuring that there are no sources of contamination from cleaning supplies. By keeping chemical sanitizers away from food prep areas, the food handler would help to minimize the risks associated with cross-contamination and uphold health and safety standards. The other options, such as storing the sanitizer in the refrigerator or in a warm area, do not effectively address the primary concern of contamination and could even lead to issues related to chemical efficacy. Sharing the sanitizer bottle with other handlers is not advisable, as it increases the risk of spreading contaminants or causing confusion about the proper use of sanitizers.