How many foot candles are recommended for food storage areas?

The recommended illumination level for food storage areas is 10 foot candles. This level of light is considered adequate for staff to easily identify and safely handle food products without risking contamination or errors. Proper lighting in food storage areas is crucial for ensuring that food is properly inspected, stored, and rotated, ultimately aiding in food safety and preventing spoilage. The bright yet not overwhelming illumination allows employees to clearly see labels, identify the state of the food, and maintain overall organization within the storage environment.

While lower foot candle levels may be sufficient in less critical areas, such as storage spaces where immediate visual checks are not as vital, 10 foot candles strikes the right balance for safety and practicality in food storage locations.