Which item does NOT have a food-contact surface?

Which item does NOT have a food-contact surface?

A.Tongs

B.Glasses

C.Utensils

D.Mop bucket

Answer: D.Mop bucket

The mop bucket is the object out of the given list that does not come into contact with food. In the processes of food safety and sanitation, food contact surface refers to any part or surface in the food business establishment that is in direct contact with the food during ordinary operations. These surfaces must therefore always be clean to avoid accusations of compromising the health of the people that consume the food.

Cutleries with silverware including spoons, forks and knives are also food-contact surfaces because they come into direct contact with foods or drinks. For instance, spoons and forks are used in handling and transporting meals while glasses contain beverages that customers drink and tongs are used in handling foods and dishes. These items are easily contaminated and thus they need careful washing, disinfecting and appropriate storage to meet the food safety protocols.

Whilst, mop bucket is an implement used in cleaning, with the general aim being to keep clean the general area of the facility. Food-safe sanitizers are generally used to wash floors and other non-contact surfaces that have equal leavings to foods. Although it is recommended that a mop bucket must be cleaned at all times for sanitation considerations during normal food service operations, it rarely has any contact with food items. Water and cleaning solutions of a mop bucket are regarded as dirty after usage and should not come in contact with food or items that come in contact with food. This differentiation is necessary for food safety best practices since food-contact surfaces and non-food-contact surfaces, such as the floors, walls, and cleaning tools, are dealt with in different ways.