Cross-Contamination & AllergensQuestion 146 of 319
Sanitizer alone will not remove allergen residue from a cutting board. What is the most effective cleaning step that physically REMOVES allergen proteins before sanitizing?
a.Wiping the board with a dry paper towel
b.Washing thoroughly with warm soapy water and rinsing with clean water
c.Running an ozone wand over the surface
d.Spraying quaternary ammonium sanitizer at 200 ppm and air drying
Explanation
Sanitizers kill microbes but do NOT remove or denature allergen proteins. Allergens are eliminated only by physical removal: scrubbing with warm water and detergent, rinsing, then sanitizing and air drying. Dry wiping spreads residue, and ozone does not break down allergens reliably.
Law Reference: FDA Food Code 4-602.11This topic, taught in full in the Food Handler Card guide. Food Handler Card — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $9.99 · 14-day refund →
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