How often should food contact surfaces be sanitized?

Sanitizing food contact surfaces after each use or when switching between different types of food is critical for preventing cross-contamination and ensuring food safety. This practice helps eliminate pathogens, bacteria, and allergens that can be transferred from one type of food to another, reducing the risk of foodborne illness. For instance, when preparing raw meat and then moving on to prepare vegetables, sanitizing the surfaces in between helps to prevent harmful bacteria from the meat from contaminating the vegetables. Regular sanitization promotes a safer food environment and aligns with food safety guidelines that emphasize the importance of cleanliness in food preparation areas. This frequent sanitization is especially important in commercial settings where the volume and variety of food being prepared can increase the potential for foodborne illness.