Is it true that manually washed utensils should be rinsed and then allowed to air dry after chemical sanitization?

The correct answer is that it is false to assert that manually washed utensils should be allowed to air dry after chemical sanitization. In food service sanitation practices, it is essential to recognize the importance of proper handling after utensils have been sanitized.

After chemical sanitization, utensils should not be rinsed again because rinsing can remove the sanitizer residual that is necessary to reduce the risk of pathogens. Instead, they should be allowed to air dry naturally, which helps ensure that the sanitizing agent remains on the surface and that the utensils dry in a hygienic manner without the risk of contamination from towels or other surfaces.

This air drying process is critical because it supports effective sanitation. Toweling off sanitized utensils can introduce bacteria and contaminants, negating the purpose of sanitization. Therefore, the correct practice is to allow the utensils to air dry following sanitization without further rinsing to ensure they remain safe for food contact.