What should be done if a food contact surface has been contaminated?

When a food contact surface has been contaminated, it is essential to first clean and then sanitize the surface. Cleaning involves removing any food debris, grease, or dirt from the surface using soap and water. This step is crucial because sanitizing can only be effective on a clean surface; if there are still residues present, the sanitizer may not adequately kill germs and pathogens.

After cleaning, sanitizing is the next step. This involves applying a chemical sanitizer that is designed to reduce the number of pathogens to safe levels. This two-step process ensures that the surface is not only free from visible contaminants but also safe for food contact, helping to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Wiping it down with a dry cloth would not effectively remove contaminants and could even spread bacteria around. Leaving it alone would do nothing to address the contamination and could lead to further issues. Heating with a flame is not a practical or safe method for sanitizing surfaces typically found in food preparation areas. Therefore, the correct approach is to clean first and then sanitize to ensure food safety.