What is the purpose of cleaning?

The primary purpose of cleaning is to remove food residue, dirt, and grease from surfaces. This process is essential in preventing cross-contamination and ensuring that food preparation areas remain hygienic. By maintaining clean surfaces, the risk of foodborne illnesses decreases significantly as it helps eliminate potential breeding grounds for harmful microorganisms.

While reducing the levels of microorganisms is a crucial aspect of sanitation, it is the act of cleaning that involves physically removing the substances that could harbor these microorganisms. Cleaning also addresses aesthetics and helps maintain a pleasant eating environment, which can influence customer satisfaction.

Choosing effective cleaning procedures is not merely a matter of keeping staff busy or experimenting with new products; the focus should always be on health and safety in food handling environments.