What percentage of substrate exposure (food prep area) is a deficiency?

• A. 5%
• B. 15%
• C. 10% or greater
• D. 20%

Answer: (C)

The deficiency threshold for substrate exposure in a food prep area is 10 percent or greater. Substrate exposure means portions of the surface show the underlying material or are not fully sealed, which can harbor residue and resist proper cleaning. When 10% or more of the food prep surface is exposed in this way, sanitation is compromised, so it’s considered a deficiency. A smaller exposure, like 5%, isn’t enough to meet the deficiency criteria, while larger exposures (15% or 20%) are also deficiencies, but the defining limit used to identify a deficiency is 10% or greater.