Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

What is the minimum concentration of a chlorine sanitizing solution required for sanitization at a pH of 8 or less and a temperature of 75°F or more?

1. 25 mg/L

2. 50 mg/L

3. 75 mg/L

4. 100 mg/L

The correct answer is: 50 mg/L

The correct concentration of chlorine sanitizing solution required for effective sanitization at a pH of 8 or less and a temperature of 75°F or higher is 50 mg/L. This concentration is established based on regulatory guidelines and food safety standards, which dictate that chlorine must be maintained at specific levels to effectively eliminate harmful microorganisms on surfaces and equipment in food service environments. Chlorine is widely used as a sanitizing agent due to its strong disinfecting properties, but its effectiveness can be impacted by factors like pH and temperature. At a pH level of 8 or lower, a concentration of 50 mg/L is sufficient to achieve the desired microbial reduction, thereby ensuring food safety. This standard is based on the need to optimize the balance between safety and effectiveness, with higher concentrations not necessarily yielding proportionally better results but potentially leading to adverse effects, such as residue or toxicity. Maintaining the proper concentration in conjunction with the specified pH range and temperature is critical for ensuring that the sanitization process is both effective at reducing pathogens and safe for food contact surfaces.