How often should food contact surfaces be sanitized?

Sanitizing food contact surfaces after every use is essential for maintaining food safety and preventing cross-contamination. This practice ensures that any harmful bacteria, viruses, or allergens that may have come into contact with the surface are eliminated before the next food item is prepared or served. In a food handling environment, surfaces can quickly become contaminated, especially when they come into contact with raw foods, such as meats or unwashed produce, which may carry pathogens.

Regularly sanitizing these surfaces after every use helps to uphold hygiene standards and protects the health of customers by significantly reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Following this guideline allows food handlers to create a safe and clean environment, reinforcing best practices in food safety. While less frequent sanitizing methods may seem adequate, they do not provide the same level of protection against the potential spread of contaminants.