Texas Food Safety Managers Practice Test

Which action is an example of sanitizing?

1. Pour chlorine bleach over a cleaned cutting board

2. Spray a solution of quaternary ammonium on slicer parts after washing

3. Soak pans from the serving line in warm water

4. Wipe counters with a damp cloth

The correct answer is: Spray a solution of quaternary ammonium on slicer parts after washing

Sanitizing refers to the process of reducing the number of microorganisms on a surface to safe levels, often through the use of specific chemical solutions or heat. In this case, the action of spraying a solution of quaternary ammonium on slicer parts after washing effectively demonstrates sanitizing because quaternary ammonium compounds are recognized sanitizers that kill germs and bacteria when applied appropriately. After washing equipment or surfaces, it is essential to apply a sanitizer to ensure that any remaining pathogens are significantly reduced. The use of quaternary ammonium in food service settings is common due to its effectiveness and safe application on food contact surfaces. The other actions provided in the options, while related to cleaning and maintenance, do not specifically meet the criteria for sanitizing. Pouring chlorine bleach directly over a cleaned cutting board may not ensure proper contact time to achieve sanitization. Soaking pans in warm water would not reduce microorganisms effectively without the use of a sanitizer. Wiping counters with a damp cloth only cleans the surface without reducing the number of microbes to a safe level, which means it does not fulfill the sanitizing requirement.