How many foot candles of light shall be provided to all working surfaces and equipment in food preparation, utensil washing, and hand washing areas and in toilet rooms?

• A. 75
• B. 100
• C. 50
• D. 200

Answer: (B)

Lighting bright enough at the work surface is essential for safe sanitation and accurate food handling. The minimum illumination for areas where food is prepared, utensils are washed, hands are washed, and in toilet rooms is 100 foot-candles. This level provides clear visibility to inspect cleanliness, spot spills, read labels, and perform tasks precisely without shadows obscuring residues. Foot-candles measure how much light reaches the work plane, and 100 ensures surfaces are well lit for proper cleaning and sanitation. Lower levels like 50 or 75 reduce visibility for critical tasks, while much brighter lighting (like 200) is unnecessary and can cause glare.