Why is it important to store cleaning chemicals away from food?

Author: Christiana Wolff  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Store chemicals away from food storage and contact areas. Chemicals can easily get into food or spill onto food-contact surfaces if they are stored incorrectly. A separate area should be used for chemical storage to make sure your food and equipment stay safe. Label all chemicals clearly.

Why should cleaning supplies be stored away from food?

Chemicals utilized as cleaning products, sanitizers, polishes, and lubricants often contaminate foods when stored or used improperly. Use these substances according to the manufacturers label instructions. All chemicals must be properly labeled and stored separate from food, food equipment, and preparation areas.

Why is it important to keep chemicals away from food?

Major foodborne illnesses and causes

Chemical contamination can lead to acute poisoning or long-term diseases, such as cancer. Many foodborne diseases may lead to long-lasting disability and death.

Why is it important to store cleaning chemicals?

Cleaning chemicals should always be stored out of reach of children and pets. They can be curious and may accidentally ingest or inhale the chemicals, which can cause serious health problems or even death. Keep chemicals in a locked cabinet or closet, and make sure that they are labelled properly.

Why should you avoid spraying cleaning chemicals near food?

food may become contaminated if cleaning chemicals are not used properly or if the wrong chemicals are used, and it is important to remember that not all cleaning chemicals are safe to use in areas where food is prepared - for example, chemicals such as bleach are too strong for use in food rooms.

Food Safety: Cleaning Kitchen Workspaces

Why should you never store cleaning products in food containers?

NEVER, EVER transfer or store a chemical into a FOOD OR BEVERAGE container. Buy child-resistant containers whenever possible. Avoid food-scented products, if possible, because they increase the risk of unintentional ingestion.

How can chemicals contaminate food?

Chemical contaminants are substances that are unintentionally present in food or feed. These substances may be present in food as a result of various stages of its production, processing or transport. They might also result from environmental contamination. Chemical contaminants may be harmful to humans and animals.

Why is it important to store chemicals correctly?

Introduction. Poor or incorrect chemical storage practices can lead to inadvertent reactions between incompatible materials with the potential to cause harm, fire or even explosions.

How far should chemicals be stored away from food?

Chemicals such as cleaners and sanitizers should be stored away from food and clean equipment, 3 inches above the floor, and on the shelf above food and utensils to prevent contamination and accidents.

Where must cleaning chemicals be stored?

Store in a clean, cool, dry space. Some cleaning chemicals can have hazardous reactions when they experience extreme temperature fluctuations or high levels of humidity. Store in well-ventilated areas, away from HVAC intake vents. This helps prevent any fumes from spreading to other areas of the facility.

Why is it important to avoid chemicals?

Chemicals can be toxic because they can harm us when they enter or contact the body. Exposure to a toxic substance such as gasoline can affect your health. Since drinking gasoline can cause burns, vomiting, diarrhea and, in very large amounts, drowsiness or death, it is toxic.

What is most likely to result in the contamination of food?

Cross-contamination in a food business often occurs as a result of: Food Handlers (e.g. microorganisms from sweat, sneezing/coughing, hands, hair, clothing) Improper food handling techniques (e.g. reusing cutting boards or utensils for raw and cooked food or for different types of food)

What are the 5 basic food safety rules?

Five keys to safer food manual
  • keep clean;
  • separate raw and cooked;
  • cook thoroughly;
  • keep food at safe temperatures; and.
  • use safe water and raw materials.

Why is it important to store clean items properly?

It is important that the clean, sanitized equipment and surfaces drain dry and are stored dry so as to prevent bacteria growth. Necessary equipment (brushes, etc.) must also be clean and stored in a clean, sanitary manner.

Why is cleaning important in keeping food safe?

Clean: Wash Hands, Utensils, and Surfaces Often. Germs that can make you sick can survive in many places around your kitchen, including your food, hands, utensils, cutting boards, and countertops.

Should you store chemicals separate and away from foods True or false?

Chemicals may cause foodborne illness if they get into food. All chemicals, soaps, cleaners, sanitizers, and pesticides must be stored away from food, utensils, and food preparation areas.

Why do we store chemicals away from food?

Chemicals can cause food contamination. It is important not to create problems by allowing food to come into contact with chemicals that are used and stored in kitchens or food areas.

Why should you store cleaning chemicals apart from food and packaging?

Many corrosives need to be separated from other incompatible substances to prevent toxic reactions and explosions. Securing cleaning chemicals in a safety cabinet away from food preparation and service areas is a great way to reduce the risk of harm.

What are the five rules for chemical storage?

5 Steps to Storing Chemicals Safely in the Workplace
  • Applying the risk management methodology.
  • Identify the substances you are using.
  • Assess the risks associated with the chemicals.
  • Systematically control each of the risks.
  • Store the hazardous chemicals correctly.
  • Setup a system to sustain compliance.

What happens if chemicals are not stored properly?

In addition to the catastrophic impacts highlighted above, chemicals stored incorrectly increase the risk of unwanted chemical reactions, damage to chemical stocks or even damage to the store itself. For example, if you store acetic acid (a corrosive chemical), you must store it at the correct temperature.

Where should chemicals never be stored?

All chemicals must be stored in a safe, secure location. Hazardous chemicals must be stored below eye level. Do not store chemicals on the floor, window ledges, or balconies. Keep containers closed unless you are dispensing a chemical or adding to the container.

Why is safe storage important?

However, improper storage can lead to manual handling risks, causing injury to employees through poor posture, heavy lifting, or trips and falls. By implementing safe storage practices, offices can significantly reduce the risk of injuries and promote a safer, more efficient workspace.

What are the harmful effects of chemicals in food?

Effects of chemical contaminants in food are associated with acute episodes with a single exposure (for example gastrointestinal illness caused by paralytic shellfish poisoning) or chronic due to repeated long-term exposure (such as liver cancer due to chronic exposure to mycotoxins).

How do you prevent chemicals from getting into food?

Tips to avoid toxic chemicals in food
  1. TIPS TO AVOID TOXIC CHEMICALS IN FOOD:
  2. 1) Limit canned food and plastic containers.
  3. 2) Avoid non-stick pans.
  4. 3) Popcorn the old fashioned way.
  5. 4) Filter your drinking water.
  6. 5) Buy organic when possible.
  7. 6) Avoid food dyes.

How food items are spoiled by chemicals?

Chemical changes involving exposure to oxygen and light are the second most common cause of spoilage. Oxygen can cause food to spoil in several ways: Encouraging the growth of microorganisms, resulting in mold and yeast growth. Oxidizing enzymes speed up chemical reactions in food, resulting in browning and foul odors.

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