New York City Food Protection Practice Test

What should be used to check the strength of the chemical solution during chemical sanitization?

1. Electronic meter

2. Test kit

3. Refractometer

4. pH indicator

The correct answer is: Test kit

Using a test kit is essential for checking the strength of a chemical solution during sanitization because these kits are specifically designed to measure the concentration of sanitizing agents accurately. Test kits can assess various chemicals, such as chlorine, quaternary ammonium compounds, or iodine, and provide immediate feedback on whether the chemical solution is at the appropriate concentration for effective sanitization. This accuracy is crucial in ensuring food safety since the effectiveness of chemical sanitizers depends heavily on their concentration in the solution. When the concentration is either too low or too high, it can compromise the sanitization process or cause potential harm to food or surfaces. In contrast, although electronic meters can measure concentration levels, they are not as common or user-friendly in food service settings compared to test kits. Refractometers are primarily used for measuring the refractive index of solutions, which may not directly indicate chemical sanitizer concentrations. Lastly, a pH indicator is useful for measuring the acidity or alkalinity of a solution but does not assess the specific concentration of sanitizers, which is what’s needed for proper food safety protocols.