What is the primary difference between cleaning and sanitizing?

The distinction between cleaning and sanitizing is fundamental to food safety and sanitation practices. Cleaning involves removing visible dirt, grime, and food residues from surfaces, utensils, and equipment. This step is crucial because it prepares the surface for the next stage, which is sanitization. Sanitizing, on the other hand, goes a step further by using chemical agents or heat to reduce the number of pathogens present on a surface to safe levels. This process is vital for preventing foodborne illnesses, as it directly targets harmful microorganisms that can cause disease.

Understanding this primary difference underscores the importance of both processes in a food safety protocol. While cleaning clears away debris and makes surfaces visually clean, sanitizing ensures that those surfaces are safe for food contact by minimizing the risk of microbial contamination.