A manager sets up a quaternary ammonium (quat) sanitizer solution. How should the correct concentration be determined?
a.Follow the manufacturer's directions, commonly around 200 ppm, and verify with a quat test kit
b.Use exactly 50 ppm, the same target as a chlorine solution, and check with chlorine strips
c.Use 500 ppm to build in a wider safety margin and skip the test kit entirely
d.Pour in quat concentrate until the water turns visibly cloudy, then stop pouring
Explanation
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer must be mixed to the manufacturer's specified concentration, commonly about 200 ppm, and confirmed with a quat-specific test kit. Chlorine's 50 to 100 ppm range is a different chemistry and chlorine strips will not read quats at all, so both the number and the strip in that option are wrong. Overdosing to 500 ppm leaves an unsafe residue rather than extra protection, and cloudiness tells you nothing about concentration.
Law Reference: FDA Food Code §4-501.114Practice all 500 questions free — no signup required.
Own the complete ServSafe Food Protection Manager guide — PDF + EPUB, $19.99 →
Related questions on this topic
- Where should cleaning chemicals and pesticides be stored in a food establishment?
- What is the correct order of steps for cleaning and sanitizing in a three-compartment sink?
- Which set of practices forms the foundation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
- For an iodine-based (iodophor) sanitizer, which concentration range is generally correct?
- Which observation is a telltale sign of a cockroach infestation the manager should act on?
- A cook fills a spray bottle with degreaser from a bulk drum. What must be done before it goes on the shelf?
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass team · Verified against ServSafe Food Protection Manager Exam · How we review