What can result in foodborne illness?

Improperly cleaning food-contact surfaces can lead to foodborne illness because these surfaces can harbor harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. When food comes into contact with contaminated surfaces, these microorganisms can transfer to the food, which may then be consumed, leading to illness.

Maintaining strict hygiene and sanitation measures for surfaces that touch food is crucial. This includes using appropriate cleaning agents, ensuring surfaces are free from food residues and pathogens, and regularly sanitizing them to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

In contrast, using fresh ingredients is generally beneficial for food safety, proper handwashing after handling raw food is an essential practice to prevent contamination, and storing cooked food at high temperatures poses a risk of spoilage and pathogen growth. However, the focus here is on the critical role that properly cleaning food-contact surfaces plays in preventing foodborne illness.