How often should food contact surfaces be sanitized?

Food contact surfaces should be sanitized after each use to ensure the elimination of harmful bacteria and pathogens that could contaminate food. This practice is crucial in preventing cross-contamination, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. When surfaces are used for different types of food, particularly when handling raw meats or poultry, it's essential to sanitize them right after each use to stop potential contaminants from being transferred to ready-to-eat foods or other ingredients.

Other options, such as once a week or daily sanitization, do not provide the immediate protection needed in a food preparation environment. While sanitizing before food preparation is important, it does not encompass the ongoing requirement to sanitize surfaces after each different use throughout the day. Thus, frequent sanitization is necessary to maintain food safety standards in any food handling situation.