What is the first action when you find a contaminated surface or broken equipment?

• A. Remove the item from use.
• B. Wipe it with a cloth.
• C. Notify a customer.
• D. Check next time to see if it's broken.

Answer: (A)

When you encounter a contaminated surface or broken equipment, the first action is to remove the item from use. This immediate step stops any contact with food, utensils, or hands, preventing cross-contamination and possible injury. After removing it, the item should be tagged out or reported for repair or replacement, and the area should be cleaned and sanitized as needed before a safe substitute is used. Wiping it with a cloth can spread contamination and does not eliminate the hazard, notifying a customer is not an appropriate action in this moment, and postponing action to "check later" leaves a risk in place. The priority is to eliminate the hazard right away by taking the item out of service.