What should be done to utensils before storage?

Before utensils are stored, it is essential that they are cleaned and sanitized first. This step is vital in ensuring food safety and preventing contamination. Cleaning removes food particles, grease, and other residues, while sanitizing minimizes the presence of harmful microorganisms that could lead to foodborne illnesses.

In a food handling environment, the cleanliness of utensils plays a crucial role in maintaining hygiene standards. Storing utensils that are not cleaned and sanitized may put consumers at risk for exposure to bacteria and toxins, thus compromising safety.

While it is imperative that only clean utensils are stored, simply stating this without the necessity of sanitation does not encompass the full standard operating procedure for food safety. Therefore, the best practice is to clean and sanitize utensils thoroughly before putting them away. This process is a critical part of maintaining a safe and health-conscious kitchen environment.