Cleaning & SanitizingQuestion 134 of 319
Chlorine sanitizer is MOST effective when the solution's pH is:
a.Strongly acidic (below 3)
b.Slightly acidic to neutral (about 6.5–7.5)
c.Strongly alkaline (above 10)
d.pH does not affect chlorine
Explanation
Chlorine bleach works best between pH 6.5 and 7.5. As pH rises above 8, more of the chlorine converts to a less effective form (hypochlorite ion). Very low pH boosts activity but is corrosive and unsafe. Tap water and chlorine concentration are the practical variables food workers control.
Law Reference: Cal. H&S Code §114099.1This topic, taught in full in the Food Handler Card guide. Food Handler Card — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $9.99 · 14-day refund →
Practice all 319 questions free — no signup required.
Own the complete Food Handler Card guide — PDF + EPUB, $9.99 →
Related questions on this topic
- When buying new commercial kitchen equipment such as a slicer or food processor, what certification mark indicates it meets food-safety design standards?
- Food-contact surfaces (counters, cutting boards, utensils) must be made of materials that are:
- A cook accidentally mixes a chlorine sanitizer at 400 ppm, much higher than the required range. What is the problem?
- Why might a quaternary ammonium (quat) sanitizer fail to disinfect a surface even when mixed at the correct concentration?
- One limitation of using iodine as a sanitizer in a food facility is that it:
- Sanitizer test strips should themselves be checked because:
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass team · Verified against California Food Handler Card Exam · How we review