What is the minimum distance food must be stored off the ground?

The correct minimum distance for food to be stored off the ground is 6 inches. This standard is established to promote food safety and prevent contamination. Storing food at this height helps protect it from potential sources of contamination such as pests and moisture that may be present on the floor. It also helps facilitate air circulation around stored items, which is crucial for maintaining proper temperature and freshness.

This guideline is important in food service environments like Starbucks, where maintaining strict hygiene and safety standards is vital to protecting customer health. Following this regulation ensures that food products are less likely to come into contact with contaminants that can be found on the floor, such as dirt, spills, and pests, thereby maintaining the integrity and safety of food items served to customers.