Why should food contact surfaces be cleaned and sanitized after use?

Cleaning and sanitizing food contact surfaces after use is critical to preventing contamination and ensuring food safety for the next use. When surfaces are not properly cleaned and sanitized, harmful bacteria, allergens, and residues from previous food items can remain. This residual contamination can lead to foodborne illnesses when new food is prepared or served on those surfaces.

By cleaning, you remove food particles, dirt, and any other residues. Sanitizing then takes this a step further by killing or reducing the number of pathogens to safe levels. This two-step process is essential in maintaining a hygienic environment in food preparation areas and for protecting the health of consumers. This practice aligns with the principles of food safety and hygiene, establishing a safe food handling protocol in any food establishment.