How often must food contact surfaces be cleaned and sanitized?

Food contact surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized after every use to ensure the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. This practice is essential in preventing cross-contamination, which can occur when surfaces that come into contact with food are not properly maintained.

Sanitizing these surfaces regularly removes harmful pathogens and residues that can pose a risk to public health. Foods, especially raw foods such as meats or vegetables, can have bacteria that transfer to surfaces and then to other foods, so frequent cleaning and sanitizing help to mitigate these risks effectively.

Maintaining this level of cleanliness is vital in food service establishments, where the health of customers is paramount. Other intervals for cleaning, such as daily, weekly, or only when visibly dirty, do not provide adequate protection against foodborne illnesses, as harmful bacteria can proliferate quickly between uses if surfaces are neglected.