ServSafe Manager Practice Exam

How can staff ensure the chemical sanitizer used on food prep surfaces is at the correct strength?

1. Mix it according to the manufacturer's instructions

2. Use a test kit to check the sanitizer's concentration

3. Ask the manager for verification

4. Check the expiration date on the product

The correct answer is: Use a test kit to check the sanitizer's concentration

Using a test kit to check the sanitizer's concentration is essential for ensuring that the chemical sanitizer is at the correct strength for effective sanitization. Sanitizers are often diluted in a specific ratio, and variations in water temperature, concentration, and exposure can affect their efficacy. Test kits, including strips or test solutions designed for this purpose, provide a reliable way to measure the sanitizer concentration quickly and accurately. This ensures that the sanitizer is neither too weak, which may not eliminate pathogens adequately, nor too strong, which could leave harmful residues or damage the surfaces. While mixing according to the manufacturer's instructions is important for achieving the desired concentration initially, it’s not a definitive way to confirm that the sanitizer remains at that concentration, especially over time or after use. Asking the manager for verification does not provide any direct measurement or assurance of the sanitizer's strength. Checking the expiration date is crucial for general effectiveness but does not guarantee that the product is currently at the correct strength when mixed. Thus, using a test kit is the most effective method to ensure the chemical sanitizer is properly prepared and safe for its intended use on food prep surfaces.