What cleaning product is essential to prevent cross-contact of allergenic foods?

To effectively prevent cross-contact of allergenic foods, a cleaning product that thoroughly removes food residues is essential. Detergents are specifically formulated to break down grease, protein, and other food remnants that may harbor allergens. By using a detergent, foodservice workers can ensure that surfaces, utensils, and equipment are adequately cleaned before preparing allergen-free meals.

Sanitizers play a crucial role in reducing germs and viruses but do not necessarily address the removal of food particles or allergens. While they are important for maintaining a safe food environment, they are not primarily designed to eliminate the residue that could lead to cross-contact. Similarly, degreasers are effective for removing fat and oil, but they may not address other types of food residues, which can include allergens. Bleach can be used for sanitation but is not suitable for cleaning food contact surfaces because it does not effectively remove food residues and may leave a harmful chemical residue if not rinsed properly. Therefore, detergent is the most appropriate choice to ensure a thorough cleaning process that minimizes the risk of allergenic food cross-contact.