Illinois Food Service License Practice Test

What must food handlers do to ensure that a sanitizing solution used on food contact surfaces has been made correctly?

1. Smell the solution

2. Use it without testing

3. Testing solution with a sanitizer kit

4. Let it sit for a few days before using

The correct answer is: Testing solution with a sanitizer kit

The correct answer highlights the importance of verifying the concentration of the sanitizing solution, which is crucial for effectively eliminating harmful pathogens on food contact surfaces. Using a sanitizer kit enables food handlers to accurately measure the concentration, ensuring it falls within the recommended range for safe and effective sanitization. This practice helps to maintain food safety standards and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. The other options lack practical effectiveness. Simply smelling the solution does not provide reliable information about its concentration or effectiveness. Using the solution without testing could lead to using a sanitizing solution that is too weak or too strong, both of which can create risks in food safety. Allowing the solution to sit for a few days before using it can result in changes in concentration, possibly rendering it ineffective for sanitization. Therefore, testing the solution with a sanitizer kit is the most reliable and responsible approach to ensure food safety.