What is the minimum light intensity required over a prep table in the kitchen?

The minimum light intensity required over a prep table in the kitchen is 540 lux (50 foot candles). Adequate lighting in food preparation areas is crucial for ensuring food safety and quality. The standard of 540 lux helps food workers accurately see what they are doing, which is essential for proper food handling, ingredient preparation, and maintaining hygiene standards.

Proper lighting allows staff to easily identify food items, detect any signs of spoilage or contamination, and ensure accurate measurement of ingredients. Insufficient lighting can lead to mistakes, such as misjudging the freshness of produce or improperly handling raw meat, which can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Thus, maintaining a minimum light intensity of 540 lux in prep areas is a vital requirement for any professional kitchen to promote food safety and operational efficiency.