When cleaning the thawing cabinet, how long must sanitizer sit on the surface before being wiped off?

The correct answer is that the sanitizer must sit on the surface for 60 seconds before being wiped off. This duration is crucial because it allows the sanitizer sufficient time to effectively kill any bacteria or pathogens present on the surface. Sanitizers work by disrupting the cell membrane of microorganisms, leading to their death, and this process takes time.

If the sanitizer is wiped off too soon, it may not have had enough contact time to clean effectively, resulting in a lower level of sanitation. Ensuring that the proper contact time is maintained is essential for food safety and to adhere to health regulations. This practice is part of maintaining a clean and safe environment in food handling areas, such as those found in Chick-fil-A operations.