How should you clean food contact surfaces after preparing raw meat?

Cleaning food contact surfaces after preparing raw meat requires a specific procedure to ensure that all harmful bacteria are effectively removed, preventing cross-contamination and foodborne illness. The correct answer emphasizes the importance of using hot, soapy water followed by sanitation.

Using hot, soapy water helps to remove grease, proteins, and food residues that can harbor bacteria from the raw meat. This process ensures that the surfaces are thoroughly cleaned before they are sanitized. After cleaning with hot, soapy water, the surfaces must be rinsed and then sanitized. A sanitizer is designed to kill any remaining pathogens on the surface, providing an additional layer of safety.

It is crucial to follow this two-step process—cleaning followed by sanitizing—to achieve the highest standards of food safety. Neglecting either step could leave surfaces contaminated, which could lead to foodborne illnesses when these surfaces come into contact with food that will not be cooked.