In the wash compartment of a three-compartment sink, what is the minimum detergent-water temperature the Food Code specifies?
a.At least 171°F
b.At least 75°F
c.At least 90°F
d.At least 110°F
Explanation
The wash solution in a manual warewashing sink must be kept at least 110°F, hot enough for the detergent to cut grease and lift soil off the item. Water at 75°F or 90°F leaves a film behind, and that film shields microbes from the sanitizer in the third compartment. The 171°F figure is the separate minimum for hot-water immersion sanitizing, not for the wash step; a wash tank held that hot would scald the person washing.
Law Reference: FDA Food Code §4-501.19Practice all 500 questions free — no signup required.
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