What should be done with food-contact surfaces after cleaning?

• A. Remove packaging and store.
• B. Sanitize them according to label directions and allow to air-dry.
• C. Rinse with cold water only.
• D. Let them dry without cleaning.

Answer: (B)

After cleaning, food-contact surfaces must be sanitized to kill remaining germs and keep foods safe. Use a sanitizer approved for food-contact surfaces, mix it to the concentration and contact time shown on the label, and apply it so the surface stays wet for that duration. Then allow the surface to air-dry. Sanitizing provides the actual reduction of bacteria beyond cleaning, and following the label directions ensures effectiveness and safety. Rinsing with cold water only wouldn’t reliably kill germs, and drying without sanitizing leaves potential pathogens behind. Simply removing packaging and storing doesn’t address surface safety.