Why do you sanitize dishes pots and pans ect?

We sanitize dishes, pots, and pans to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause foodborne illnesses. Here's why it's so important:

* Food Safety: Bacteria and viruses can easily survive on dirty dishes and cooking utensils. When these germs come into contact with food, they can contaminate it and make us sick.

* Preventing Cross-Contamination: Raw meat, poultry, and seafood carry harmful bacteria. If these items come into contact with other foods or surfaces, they can spread the bacteria, leading to illness.

* Health and Well-being: Foodborne illnesses can cause a range of symptoms, from mild stomach upset to severe dehydration and even death. Proper sanitization significantly reduces the risk of these illnesses.

* Hygiene: Clean dishes and utensils contribute to a hygienic kitchen environment, reducing the spread of germs and promoting overall cleanliness.

How Sanitization Works:

Sanitization involves using heat, chemicals, or a combination of both to kill bacteria and viruses.

* Heat: Dishwashers use hot water to kill germs.

* Chemicals: Bleach and other sanitizing solutions are effective at killing microorganisms.

Importance of Different Methods:

* Washing: Washing dishes with soap and water removes food particles and some bacteria, but it doesn't kill all germs.

* Rinsing: Rinsing dishes with clean water removes soap residue but doesn't necessarily sanitize them.

* Sanitizing: This is the final step in dishwashing and involves using heat or chemicals to eliminate the remaining bacteria and viruses.

Key Points to Remember:

* Always sanitize dishes that have come into contact with raw meat, poultry, and seafood.

* Use a dishwasher that reaches a high enough temperature to sanitize dishes properly.

* Use sanitizing solutions according to the manufacturer's instructions.

* Dry dishes thoroughly after washing and sanitizing.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively sanitize your dishes and create a safe and healthy kitchen environment.