What is the primary purpose of sanitizing food contact surfaces?

The primary purpose of sanitizing food contact surfaces is to kill harmful bacteria. Proper sanitation is essential in food safety as it directly impacts the prevention of foodborne illnesses. Food contact surfaces, such as cutting boards, countertops, and utensils, can harbor various pathogens that may cause illness if they come into contact with food.

Sanitizing these surfaces with an approved sanitizing solution reduces the microbial load, ensuring that any harmful bacteria present are destroyed. This process is crucial in maintaining a safe food preparation environment and protecting public health.

While eliminating food residues, removing odors, and preventing pest contamination are important aspects of kitchen cleanliness, they do not address the specific goal of eliminating pathogens to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Therefore, focusing on the use of effective sanitizers is key to ensuring that surfaces are safe for food contact.