Final answer:
A chlorine sanitizer must be in contact with a surface for at least 60 seconds to be considered effective according to AOAC protocols, as measured by methods such as the use-dilution test.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a chlorine sanitizer to be effective, it must remain in contact with the utensil or surface for at least 60 seconds. The Association of Official Agricultural Chemists International (AOAC) has established protocols to ensure the efficacy of disinfectants.
The use-dilution test, which involves the disinfectant being in contact with a stainless steel cylinder coated with a targeted microorganism, is a method to measure disinfection effectiveness. This standard reflects the minimum contact time for effective microbial inactivation without necessarily leading to sterilization, which is commonly the goal in non-clinical environments where complete sterility is not required.