How often should food contact surfaces be sanitized?

Sanitizing food contact surfaces after each use is crucial for maintaining food safety. This practice helps eliminate pathogens that may remain on surfaces from raw foods, spills, or dishware, thereby preventing cross-contamination. This is especially important in food service settings, where multiple items are prepared and different foods are handled throughout the day. Regular sanitation ensures that any potential harmful microorganisms are effectively removed, protecting both food and consumers.

While some may suggest sanitizing once a day or at the end of the day, these infrequent intervals do not provide adequate protection against bacteria and viruses that can proliferate in the kitchen environment. Every hour may seem excessive as it does not allow for the workflow of a busy kitchen, potentially hindering efficiency. Therefore, the most reliable and best practice is to sanitize food contact surfaces after each use to ensure a safe cooking and serving environment.