When must the sanitation solution be changed?

The sanitation solution must be changed if the test strip does not indicate a concentration of 200-300 parts per million (ppms). This is crucial because maintaining the correct concentration ensures that the solution is effective in killing bacteria and sanitizing surfaces properly. The proper sanitization level is vital in a food service environment, where safety and cleanliness are paramount in preventing foodborne illnesses. If the solution is not within this specified range, it may not effectively sanitize surfaces, posing a risk to food safety.

Other time-based indications, such as changing the solution every hour or every shift, do not take into account the actual efficacy of the solution, nor do they consider any potential contamination that could affect the solution's performance. Changing based on color change is also not reliable, as substances might alter the appearance of the solution without affecting its sanitizing ability. Hence, monitoring the concentration with test strips is the best practice for ensuring food safety.