What is the recommended step after washing kitchen utensils?

The recommended step after washing kitchen utensils is to sanitize them after each use. This is crucial for maintaining food safety in a kitchen environment, as washing alone may not remove all harmful microorganisms that could lead to foodborne illnesses. Sanitizing provides an additional layer of protection by reducing the number of pathogens to safe levels.

It's important to remember that utensils can become recontaminated after washing if they are not properly sanitized. This step is especially vital in settings where multiple surfaces are used for food preparation, as cross-contamination is a significant risk. Using a sanitizer that is appropriate for kitchen use ensures that any remaining bacteria are effectively eliminated before the utensils are used again.

In contrast, simply rinsing in cold water or not drying utensils properly does not provide the same level of protection against contaminants. Additionally, leaving utensils unclean until the next day could foster bacterial growth, further compromising food safety practices. Therefore, ensuring that utensils are sanitized after washing is a key practice in maintaining a safe kitchen environment.