What is the minimum illumination required in a utensil storage area?

The minimum illumination required in a utensil storage area is 20 foot-candles. This level of lighting is essential to ensure that staff can see clearly while handling utensils, maintaining cleanliness, and checking for any defects or contamination. Adequate lighting levels are crucial in food service and utensil storage areas to promote safety and hygiene, allowing staff to perform their jobs effectively and minimize the risk of accidents or errors.

While 10, 15, and 25 foot-candles may provide varying degrees of visibility, they do not meet the specific requirement set for utensil storage areas. Insufficient lighting can impede the ability to properly inspect and maintain utensils, potentially leading to unsafe food handling practices. Thus, maintaining at least 20 foot-candles of illumination is a standard that supports both compliance with health regulations and the overall safety of food preparation environments.