Final answer:
The third step in cleaning and sanitizing items in a 3-compartment sink is to rinse the items in clean water, which is crucial for removing soap residue and remaining food particles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The third step in cleaning and sanitizing items in a 3-compartment sink is to rinse the items in clean water. This step follows after scraping and prewashing the items and washing them in hot, soapy water. Rinsing is essential because it removes any remaining food particles and detergent residue.
The process should ensure that the water flows over the items in a way that microorganisms are washed off effectively. After rinsing, the fourth step would be to sanitize the items in a sanitizing solution to reduce the level of microbes to safe levels for public health, as is the practice in food service and healthcare settings.