What must be done immediately before sanitizing dishes?

Pre-rinsing or scraping dishes is crucial before the sanitizing process because it removes food particles and debris that can interfere with the effectiveness of the sanitizing solution. If dishes are not properly pre-rinsed or scraped, leftover food residues can harbor bacteria and may not allow the sanitizer to adequately come into contact with all surfaces of the dish, compromising the sanitation process.

Additionally, if dishes are not pre-rinsed, the sanitizing solution may become cloudy or contaminated with food particles, further reducing its efficacy. By ensuring that all visible food remnants are removed first, the sanitizing step can occur more effectively, ensuring that the dishes are safe for use and free of harmful pathogens.