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1.9: Workplace Sanitation

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    Maintaining a clean work environment is critical in preventing foodborne illness. Bacteria can grow on unsanitary surfaces and then contaminate food. Just because a work surface looks clean does not mean that it is sanitary. Always ensure that you clean and sanitize a work area before starting to prepare food.

    Cleaning Procedures and Schedules

    Cleaning with soap and other detergents is just one step of the cleaning procedure. It is also necessary to sanitize. Cleaning will remove any dirt or grease, but will not necessarily kill any bacteria or other pathogens. Only a sanitizer will kill bacteria and ensure the area is safe for food preparation. Leading sanitizers used in the food service industry are chlorine solutions (bleach), quaternary solutions (quats), and iodine. Use these materials according to the manufacturer’s instructions that accompany the product and that are found on the material safety data sheet (MSDS) using the appropriate personal protective equipment.

    A sanitation plan is important in any food service preparation area. It ensures that all surfaces are cleaned on a regular basis and reduces the risks of transferring bacteria or other pathogens from an unclean surface to clean equipment such as cutting boards or tools. A sanitation plan has two components:

    1. A list of cleaning and sanitizing agents or supplies with instructions on their safe use and storage
    2. A cleaning schedule, outlining how each item needs to be cleaned, who is responsible, and how frequently it happens

    Figure 5 shows a sample daily and weekly cleaning schedule for a restaurant.

    Figure 5. Sample Cleaning Schedule

    Daily Cleaning Schedule. Date: ______________
    Item Frequency Method Responsibility Supervisor initial
    Upright mixer
    • Prior to use if mixer not used in previous 2 hours
    • Immediately after use when finished task
    1. Lock out machine (unplug) and remove attachments and bowl. Send through dishwasher.
    2. Wash down all surfaces with a clean cloth immersed in clean warm water and detergent.
    3. Wipe down all surfaces with a second clean cloth immersed in sanitizing solution (100 ppm chlorine or 28 mL bleach per 4.5 L water).
    4. Allow to air dry prior to reassembly and next use.
    		 Pastry cooks ________
    Meat slicer
    • Prior to use if slicer not used in previous 2 hours
    • Immediately after use when finished task
    1. Lock out machine (unplug) and set slicer to zero.
    2. Remove blade guard. Send through dishwasher.
    3. Carefully wash down all surfaces with a clean cloth immersed in clean warm water and detergent.
    4. Carefully wipe down all surfaces with a second clean cloth immersed in sanitizing solution (100 ppm chlorine or 28 mL bleach per 4.5 L water).
    5. Allow air dry prior to reassembly and next use.
    		 Garde manger ________
    Weekly Cleaning Schedule. Date: ______________
    Item Frequency Method Responsibility Supervisor initial
    Dry storage Monday after dinner service
    1. Remove food from shelves one shelf at a time. Store rolling rack in dry storage while cleaning shelf in place.
    2. Wash down all surfaces with a clean cloth immersed in clean warm water and detergent.
    3. Wipe down all surfaces with a second clean cloth immersed in sanitizing solution (100 ppm chlorine or 28 mL bleach per 4.5 L water).
    4. Allow to air dry prior to replacing food on shelves.
    		 Grill cook ________
    Reach-in freezer Tuesday after dinner dervice
    1. Remove food from shelves one shelf at a time. Store rolling rack in cooler while cleaning shelf in place.
    2. Wash down all surfaces with a clean cloth immersed in clean warm water and detergent.
    3. Wipe down all surfaces with a second clean cloth immersed in sanitizing solution (100 ppm chlorine or 28 mL bleach per 4.5 L water).
    4. Allow to air dry prior to replacing food on shelves.
    		 Garde manger ________

    Dishwashing Procedures

    Effective dishwashing ensures that all equipment is sanitary and ready for use when required. Using soiled or dirty china is not only dangerous, but it will tell customers that the operator as little or no regard for customer safety. Table 2.5 shows the proper procedures for both manual and automatic dishwashing.

    Before washing, scrape dishes and pre-soak any items with hard to remove residue. Then follow the procedure in Table 5, depending on whether you are using a high- or low-temperature dishwasher or you are washing dishes manually.

    Table 5. Dishwashing procedures
    Step Manual High-temperature dishwasher Low-temperature dishwasher or glass washer
    Wash Use a commercial detergent and 45°C (113°F) water. Wash cycle must reach at least 60°C (140°F). Wash cycle must reach at least 60°C (140°F).
    Rinse Rinse in clean hot water. Hot rinse cycle. Warm or cold rinse cycle with sanitizer.
    Sanitize Sanitize for 2 minutes with an approved sanitizing solution (50 ppm chlorine or 12.5 ppm iodine). Rinse cycle must reach at least 82°C (180°F) for at least 10 seconds. Final rinse must have concentration of 50 ppm chlorine or 12.5 ppm iodine.
    Dry Drain boards should be sanitized and sloped for drainage.

    Never towel dry.

    		 Drain boards should be sanitized and sloped for drainage

    Never towel dry.

    		 Drain boards should be sanitized and sloped for drainage

    Never towel dry.

    Routine Equipment Maintenance

    Most kitchen equipment is intended to be disassembled for cleaning. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and training provided by your employer or instructor on how to do this safely. Some equipment is intended to be cleaned in place. This should be identified in your sanitation plan and cleaning schedule.

    All equipment must be routinely cleaned and inspected. Older equipment may have nooks and crannies where dirt and bacteria can hide, which can be difficult to clean effectively. Proper cleaning procedures must be established and followed at all times with regular review to ensure that procedures are working. If equipment is replaced or cleaning materials change, the process may have to be adjusted. If you notice any safety concerns with the equipment while cleaning it, such as a frayed cord, missing guard or loose parts, let your supervisor know immediately.

    Importance of Personal Hygiene

    It is imperative for safe food-handling outcomes for all workers to be familiar with standard sanitation and hygiene practices. Figure 6 shows the cycles of transmission of micro-organisms. One of the basic principles is to break the cycle by avoiding cross-contamination, which can be achieved by ensuring personal hygiene practices are followed.

    The cycle of bacterial transmission goes from food handler to environment to food and back to the Food Handler
    Figure 6. The cycle of bacterial transmission. Image created by go2hr and used under a CC BY 4.0 Licence.

    Proper personal hygiene is critical in any food service premise. Personal hygiene includes:

    • Showering and bathing regularly
    • Keeping hair clean hair and covered or tied back
    • Keeping clean clothing and footwear that is used only at work
    • Handwashing regularly
    • Using clean utensils for tasting food
    • Using separate cloths for cleaning and wiping plates

    Handwashing

    Proper and regular handwashing is a critical part of any food safety system. You must always wash your hands after:

    • Sneezing, coughing, or touching your mouth or nose
    • Using the bathroom
    • Smoking or using toothpicks
    • Handling raw foods
    • Cleaning and wiping tables, food preparation surfaces, or equipment
    • Handling soiled objects, garbage, or money

    The steps for proper handwashing are as follows:

    1. Wet hands with warm water.
    2. Apply liquid soap and lather for at least 20 to 30 seconds.
    3. Scrub backs of hands, wrists, all fingers, and under nails.
    4. Rinse under running water, pointing down toward the drain.
    5. Dry with a paper towel.
    6. Turn off taps and open bathroom door using the paper towel.

    This page titled 1.9: Workplace Sanitation is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by BC Cook Articulation Committee (BC Campus) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.