New York City Food Protection Practice Test

Why is it important to have air-breaks in culinary sinks?

1. To improve water pressure

2. To prevent contamination of drinking water

3. To reduce water usage

4. To simplify cleaning

The correct answer is: To prevent contamination of drinking water

Having air-breaks in culinary sinks is crucial primarily because they serve as a preventive measure against the contamination of drinking water. An air-break is an installation that creates a physical gap between the water supply and the wastewater, which is essential in ensuring that any backflow or siphoning does not allow contaminated water from the sink to enter the potable water supply. When water in sinks is used for washing food, dishes, or utensils, it may come into contact with bacteria, food residues, and other contaminants. If there's a plumbing issue or a sudden change in water pressure, there's a risk that this contaminated water could flow back into the clean water supply. The air-break acts as a barrier that prevents this backflow, thereby protecting public health and ensuring that drinking water remains safe and clean. The other options, while they may have their own merits, do not address the primary function of air-breaks. Improving water pressure and reducing water usage are not directly related to the purpose of the air-break system, and simplifying cleaning, while potentially beneficial, is not the primary reason for implementing this safety feature.