What is the first step in cleaning and sanitizing dishes?

Pre-rinsing and scraping is the essential first step in the cleaning and sanitizing process for dishes. This action removes leftover food particles, grease, and other residues that may be present on the dishes before they undergo the more thorough cleaning processes. By doing so, it ensures that the wash water remains cleaner and more effective during the washing phase.

If dishes are not pre-rinsed and scraped properly, larger food particles can cause contamination or interfere with the effectiveness of the cleaning agents used later in the process. This preliminary step is crucial because it helps to prevent cross-contamination and ensures that the surfaces to be sanitized are adequately prepared to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Following this, the dishes can be washed thoroughly with hot water, sanitized, and then dried properly.