SOPs* provide a detailed, step-by-step process of how to clean and sanitize equipment and tools.

There are four steps involved in cleaning and sanitizing food contact surfaces.

• Step 1: Rinse the surface so any obvious dirt and debris are removed.
• Step 2: Apply an appropriate detergent and scrub the surface.
• Step 3: Rise the surface with water that is microbial equivalent of drinking water.
• Step 4: Apply an appropriate sanitizer. If the sanitizer requires a final rise, then this will require an extra step. Let the surface air dry.

* See the supplemental resource: How to Write an SOP.

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