Food Safety Certification Practice Test

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Study for the Food Safety Certification Test. Dive into multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your certification exam!

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What temperature should handwashing sinks reach?

90°F
100°F
110°F
120°F

The correct answer is: 100°F

The recommended temperature for handwashing sinks is typically 100°F. This temperature is warm enough to effectively wash away dirt and pathogens from the hands while still being comfortable for most users. Handwashing with warm water encourages people to wash their hands thoroughly for the recommended time, which is vital for the removal of harmful microbes. Temperature levels above this, such as 110°F or 120°F, could pose a risk of burns, particularly for sensitive skin, which might discourage proper handwashing. At the same time, water temperatures lower than 100°F may not be sufficient to remove oil and dirt effectively, leading to inadequate cleaning. Therefore, setting handwashing sinks to 100°F strikes a safe and effective balance for promoting proper hand hygiene.