What is the recommended first step in the cleaning process of food service areas?

The recommended first step in the cleaning process of food service areas is to remove any visible food debris. This step is crucial because it prevents cross-contamination and ensures that the subsequent cleaning and sanitizing processes are effective. By removing food scraps, spills, and other detritus, you prepare the surfaces for more thorough cleaning. This initial action makes it easier to wash surfaces, as food debris can trap bacteria and other contaminants, thereby hindering the efficacy of cleaning agents and sanitizers.

Following this step, surfaces can then be washed with soap and water to remove dirt and grease, and finally, they can be disinfected to eliminate any remaining pathogens. If the visible debris is not addressed first, the whole cleaning process can become less effective, as it may just move contaminants around rather than properly cleaning the surfaces. Proper storage of cleaning supplies is also important, but it should occur after the actual cleaning process has been initiated.