Not approved for use on food-contact surfaces?

• A. Sponges
• B. Wooden paddles
• C. Steel wool
• D. Metal polish

Answer: (D)

Only cleaners and tools that are approved for food-contact surfaces should be used on those surfaces. Metal polish is not approved for this use because it’s a finishing product with chemicals not intended to come into contact with food. Residues could contaminate food and may be toxic, and the product isn’t designed to be rinsed to a food-safe level or to provide proper disinfection. Sponges, wooden paddles, and steel wool are common cleaning tools in kitchens and can be used on surfaces that contact food when they’re kept clean and sanitized regularly and used with approved detergents. The main point is to choose materials that are explicitly acceptable for food-contact surfaces and to avoid anything not labeled for that purpose.