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Where should food not be stored in relation to waste water lines?

  1. Under waste water lines

  2. Near refrigeration units

  3. Next to cooking appliances

  4. Above the sink area

The correct answer is: Under waste water lines

Food should not be stored under waste water lines because doing so poses a significant risk of contamination. Waste water lines can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that could potentially drip or leak onto food stored beneath them, posing a health hazard. Additionally, any spillage or leaks from the waste water system could lead to cross-contamination, heightening the risk of foodborne illnesses. This precaution is established in food safety guidelines, which emphasize maintaining cleanliness and preventing contamination of food items. While storing food near refrigeration units, next to cooking appliances, or above the sink area may come with their unique considerations for safety and hygiene, these locations do not inherently present the same risk of direct contamination as storing food underneath waste water lines does.