Knowing the Difference Between Cleaning and Sanitizing is Critical for Restaurant Food Safety
When it comes to food safety in your restaurant, knowing the difference between cleaning and sanitizing is critical. Cleaning is the process of removing food, dirt, and debris from surfaces. The process of killing bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause illness is known as sanitation. Cleaning and sanitizing are both necessary for food safety, but they are not synonymous. Here’s an explanation of the distinction between cleaning and sanitizing:
Cleaning surfaces removes food, dirt, and debris. This can be accomplished using soap and water or a commercial cleaner. You physically remove contaminants from a surface when you clean it.
Sanitizing surfaces reduces the number of bacteria on them. This can be accomplished using heat, chemicals, or ultraviolet light. When you sanitize a surface, you are not necessarily removing all bacteria; rather, you are reducing the number of bacteria to a safe level.
Cleaning and sanitizing are both essential for maintaining food safety in your restaurant. Depending on the type of contaminant, you may need to clean as well as sanitize – for example, if there is visible dirt as well as invisible bacteria on a surface. In general, surfaces should be cleaned before being sanitized.
The Advantages of Cleaning and Sanitizing
Cleaning and sanitizing are both essential for maintaining food safety in your restaurant. Here are some advantages of each:
Cleaning:
-Removes food, dirt, and debris from surfaces;
-Helps prevent the spread of bacteria and other pathogens
-Reduces the time and effort needed to sanitize surfaces.
Sanitizing:
-Kills or eliminates most bacteria and other pathogens from surfaces;
-Aids in the prevention of illness and disease transmission
-Is frequently required by health codes
Cleaning and Sanitization Procedures
Cleaning and sanitizing may appear to be synonymous, but they are actually two distinct processes. Cleaning is the first step in sanitizing and is necessary for removing dirt, food particles, and other contaminants from surfaces. The second step is sanitizing, which kills bacteria, viruses, and other germs that can cause illness. Understanding the distinction between these two processes is critical for keeping your restaurant clean and safe for customers.
Here are some cleaning and sanitizing suggestions:
1. Clean surfaces with hot water and soap. This will get rid of any dirt, food particles, or other contaminants on the surface.
2. After cleaning, rinse surfaces with clean water.
3. After cleaning, disinfect surfaces with a disinfectant solution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for diluting the disinfectant and determining how long it should be left on the surface to be effective.
4. After sanitizing, allow surfaces to air dry.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 as necessary throughout the day, especially in high-traffic areas or areas where food is prepared or served.
Cleaning and Sanitizing Equipment
Cleaning and sanitizing are not the same thing, but both are necessary for food safety in your restaurant. Cleaning is the removal of food and other contaminants from surfaces, whereas sanitizing is the killing of bacteria and other pathogens.
Cleaning and sanitizing can be accomplished with a variety of tools. Soap and water are frequently all that is required for cleaning. However, there are a number of commercial cleaners that can be used. When selecting a cleaner, read the label to ensure that it is effective against the type of contaminant you are attempting to remove.
Chlorine bleach is frequently used for sanitizing. Because it kills a wide variety of bacteria and pathogens, bleach is an effective sanitizer. When using bleach, it is critical to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper dilution and contact time. There are also a number of commercial sanitizers that can be used. Read the label to ensure that it is effective against the pathogen you are attempting to eradicate.