Starbucks Food Safety Practice Exam

How should dishes be air-dried after washing?

1. In a drying rack to prevent pooling

2. By wiping them with a towel

3. On a heated surface

4. They do not need to be dried

The correct answer is: In a drying rack to prevent pooling

Air-drying dishes in a drying rack is the recommended practice because it effectively prevents water from pooling on the surfaces of the dishes. Pooling water can harbor bacteria and create an environment conducive to their growth, which poses a risk to food safety. By allowing dishes to air-dry in a designated rack, you ensure that they are thoroughly dried in a manner that promotes proper sanitation, as the airflow helps evaporate moisture efficiently. Using towels to wipe dishes might introduce new contaminants from the towel itself, and drying on a heated surface is not typically necessary or advisable, as it can alter the quality of the dishes and is not a standard practice. Not drying dishes at all can lead to the aforementioned issue of water pooling, which emphasizes the importance of proper drying techniques in food safety protocols.