Final answer:
The correct way to clean and sanitize a prep table follows these steps: remove debris, clean with soap and water, rinse, apply sanitizer, and air-dry. This sequence ensures a hygienic surface safe for food preparation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct way to clean and sanitize a prep table is: Remove bits from the surface, clean, rinse, sanitize, and then air-dry. This process ensures that the surface is free of debris and microorganisms, making it safe for food preparation. The steps are designed to reduce the microbial load to safe levels for public health, which varies depending on the item's intended use. In a kitchen setting, sanitization is particularly critical to prevent foodborne illnesses.
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- Remove any food bits or debris from the surface first to ensure that cleaning agents can come into direct contact with the surface.
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- Use a detergent or soap and water to clean the surface thoroughly to remove any remaining organic material and grease.
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- Rinse the surface with water to remove any soap residue.
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- Apply a sanitizing agent, which could be a chemical solution or heat treatment, depending on the facility's protocols.
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- Allow the surface to air-dry, which helps prevent cross-contamination that could occur from using a towel that might not be completely clean.