Ontario Food Handler Certificate Cleaning and Sanitizing

Question 1

What is the difference between cleaning and sanitizing?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning removes visible dirt and food residue; sanitizing reduces microorganisms to safe levels

Answer

Cleaning uses soap or detergent to remove visible soil, grease, and food particles. Sanitizing uses chemicals or heat to reduce microorganisms to safe levels. Both steps are necessary — sanitizing is not effective on dirty surfaces.

Question 2

What is the correct order of steps for cleaning and sanitizing food-contact surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Scrape/remove debris, wash with detergent, rinse, sanitize, air dry

Answer

The correct five-step process is: (1) scrape or remove food debris, (2) wash with detergent and warm water, (3) rinse with clean water, (4) sanitize, and (5) air dry. Skipping steps reduces effectiveness.

Question 3

What is the minimum concentration of chlorine (bleach) solution typically used for sanitizing food-contact surfaces?

Accepted Answer

100 ppm

Answer

A chlorine solution of 100 ppm (parts per million) is the standard minimum concentration for sanitizing food-contact surfaces. The concentration should be verified using chlorine test strips.

Question 4

Why must food-contact surfaces be air dried after sanitizing rather than towel dried?

Accepted Answer

Towels can recontaminate the sanitized surface with bacteria

Answer

Towels, even clean ones, can transfer bacteria back onto sanitized surfaces. Air drying allows the sanitizing solution to remain in contact with the surface longer, maximizing its effectiveness.

Question 5

How should sanitizer concentration be verified?

Accepted Answer

Using chemical test strips specific to the sanitizer type

Answer

Chemical test strips designed for the specific sanitizer (chlorine, quaternary ammonium, or iodine) provide accurate concentration readings. Visual inspection and smell are not reliable methods.

Ontario Food Handler Practice Test

Ontario Food Handler Practice Test

Ontario Food Handler Certificate Cleaning and Sanitizing