In what situation is it acceptable to use a sanitizer in food preparation?

Using a sanitizer to treat cutting boards after food use is appropriate because sanitizing surfaces that come into contact with food is crucial for preventing cross-contamination. After food preparation, especially with raw meats or potentially hazardous foods, sanitizing the cutting boards reduces the risk of harmful bacteria transferring to other foods. Effective sanitization involves using a food-safe sanitizer according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that any pathogens remaining on the surface are eliminated, thus maintaining food safety standards.

This option emphasizes the importance of proper food safety protocols in food handling and preparation areas. Other scenarios, such as using a sanitizer to rinse vegetables, are not recommended because sanitizers are not meant for direct food contact in that manner. Washing hands requires soap and water, which is more effective for removing germs, whereas cleaning the floor, while important for cleanliness, typically involves different cleaning agents and may not be relevant to food preparation practices.