Illinois Food Service License Practice Test

How often should food contact surfaces be cleaned and sanitized in a foodservice operation?

1. Once a day

2. Every 4 hours

3. After each use

4. Once a week

The correct answer is: After each use

Cleaning and sanitizing food contact surfaces after each use is essential for maintaining food safety in a foodservice operation. This practice helps to prevent cross-contamination, which can occur when surfaces that come into contact with raw food are not adequately cleaned before being used for ready-to-eat foods. By ensuring that these surfaces are cleaned and sanitized after each use, foodservice establishments can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensure that they are adhering to health regulations. In addition to promoting consumer safety, this frequency of cleaning aligns with established food safety guidelines and standards, which recommend regular maintenance of food contact surfaces to uphold hygiene and prevent the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Other suggested intervals, like once a day or once a week, are not sufficient, as they do not account for the varying degrees of food preparation and handling that occur throughout the day. Similarly, every four hours may not be practical for all operations, especially in fast-paced environments where surfaces are frequently used.