Commercial Dishwasher Sanitation: Meeting FDA Health Codes
Summary: FDA Food Code requires commercial dishwashers to achieve a utensil surface temperature of 160°F (71°C) for sanitization. Measuring water temperature alone is insufficient. We recommend using a plate-simulating recording thermometer (like DishTemp®) to accurately verify compliance and replace costly disposable test strips.
The Requirement: Utensil Surface Temperature
Health inspectors strictly enforce the FDA Food Code regarding hot water sanitization.
"Hot Water and Chemical-Methods Sanitizing Food-Contact Surfaces... [must achieve] a utensil surface temperature of 71°C (160°F) as measured by an irreversible registering temperature indicator."
Critical Distinction: The code specifies Surface Temperature, not Water Temperature.
Fact: Water Temp ≠ Surface Temp
Simply setting your dishwasher tank to 160°F does not guarantee the plates reach 160°F. The "Thermal Offset" is caused by:
- Heat Loss: Water loses heat as it travels through the spray arms and air.
- Thermal Mass: Cold ceramic plates absorb heat slowly.
- Spray Distance: The distance between the nozzle and the rack affects heat transfer.
Comparison: How to Measure Compliance
There are three common ways to attempt compliance. Only one is recommended for reliability and cost.
| Method | Pros | Cons / Failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Disposable Test Strips | Adheres directly to the plate. | High ongoing cost. Hard to remove. Prone to "false positives" from steam or storage heat. |
| 2. Pocket Thermometer | Cheap. | Not Recommended. Measures air/water mix, not surface temp. Hard to read max temp inside a running machine. |
| 3. DishTemp® (Recommended) | Simulates a real plate. Reusable 5,000+ times. Digital Max Hold. | Higher initial cost (pays for itself by replacing strips). |
The Solution: DishTemp®
The DishTemp is designed specifically to pass health inspections by simulating the thermal properties of a plate.
- Irreversible Max Reading: It records the highest temperature reached during the cycle and holds it on the screen for the inspector to see.
- Accuracy: Comes with a NIST-traceable certificate (±0.9°F accuracy).
- Cost Savings: By accurately reading the surface temp, many operators find they can actually turn down their tank temperature (saving energy) while still meeting the 160°F requirement.
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