Posted by When it comes to sanitation, the food preparation table can become a real mess if not cleaned properly. Using hypochlorous acid, bleach, or hand sanitizer can make cleaning the table a snap. But what should you do with the remaining soapy film? Let’s take a closer look. You can clean your table with disinfectant wipes and sprays. And when the table is clean and sanitized, you can simply apply a disinfectant wipe or spray.
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Bleach
You can use a disinfectant spray, wipe, or solution to sanitize a food preparation table. Before sanitizing, use a paper towel or microfiber cloth to remove visible food particles. After wiping the table, use a disinfectant solution to remove any soapy film. If the table surface is ceramic or stone, a vinegar and water solution is a good option to clean it.
To use bleach to sanitize a food preparation table, dilute one tablespoon of the chemical with a gallon of water. Use a bleach sanitizer with an EPA registration number and read the label carefully. You may also use a chlorine test strip to confirm the correct concentration of bleach. Be sure to allow the surface to air dry for at least two minutes after application to achieve sanitation.
Using bleach to sanitize a food preparation table can be dangerous. Although it kills 99.9% of bacteria and microorganisms on contact, the chemical can damage table surfaces. In addition, bleach can stain and damage granite countertops. If you are concerned about the health risks, consider using another sanitizer. This is much safer. It can also be used to sanitize countertops and floors.
Hypochlorous acid
Chlorine is a common sanitizer used in the food industry. It kills bacteria and sanitizes the environment in which food is prepared. The chemical is made of chlorine and an inorganic compound called hypochlorite. Common hypochlorite compounds are sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), calcium hypochlorite (CaOCl), and chlorine dioxide (Cl2).
The use of hypochlorous acid for sanitizing a food prep table is permitted in food processing facilities when it is applied in high concentrations. It can be used throughout the day, including peak hours. Unlike most chemical sanitizers, it does not require post-rinsing and can be used to sanitize glass surfaces without any additional cleaning.
This acid is also a great natural disinfectant and can be applied to the skin. It is an excellent treatment for acne and other skin infections. The acid is non-toxic and does not irritate the skin. It kills both microbes and dangerous entities that are harmful to humans. People who are health-conscious use hypochlorous acid to disinfect pre-cut foods. The USDA has approved it for organically grown food.
Hand sanitizer
Using hand sanitizer is an excellent way to keep surfaces that touch food safe. Not only are germs contagious, but they can also be passed from one person to the next, leading to illness. Disinfectants are the best choice for killing germs, but they are not approved for use in food prep areas. Sanitizers are approved for these purposes.
After using a hand sanitizer on a table, you should allow the sanitizer to dry before touching anything. Drying objects with a towel causes cross-contamination, and it doesn’t remove bacteria. For this reason, many restaurants will polish their sanitized flatware and glasses. To avoid this, be sure to use a clean, dry cloth for polishing.
The next step is to wash your hands thoroughly. Always use soap and water to clean your hands, and make sure you dry them properly before touching anything. Use hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of 60 percent or higher. Don’t use it on your eyes, nose, or faucets. Wait for the solution to dry completely before touching anything. If you have young children, make sure they supervise their use. Providing hand sanitizer to guests is a great way to foster an old-fashioned feeling of hospitality and keep people coming back for more.
Bleach solution
To sanitize your food prep table, you can use a bleach solution. It should contain 25 to 100 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine. The concentration depends on the task at hand, temperature, and pH of the water. A higher concentration of bleach may not be effective, and may also cause taste and odor problems. Additionally, it can leave residues on surfaces, especially stone. If you use a ceramic stone, you can also use a sanitizing wipe or disinfecting spray.
After wiping the table with a disinfectant wipe, you can spray it with a bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly, and then air dry. Repeat this process as often as you need to. Make sure you don’t use bleach that could damage the surface. A weak bleach solution can leave your food prep table looking dull and unhygienic. If you’re unsure of how to disinfect your table, consult a professional.