Ace the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Exam 2026 – Fuel Your Future with Confidence!

The definition of "clean" primarily refers to the absence of visible soil or dirt. This means that when something is described as clean, it can be readily observed that there is no accumulation of grime, food particles, or organic matter on surfaces. Cleanliness is an essential first step in maintaining hygiene because it allows for more effective sanitation and disinfection processes to occur afterward.

While being sanitized and disinfected is crucial for eliminating pathogens, the terms "sanitized" and "disinfected" go beyond just cleanliness and include the removal of harmful microorganisms. A pleasant aroma may indicate cleanliness to some extent but does not necessarily guarantee that a surface is free of harmful contaminants. Similarly, meeting health inspection criteria encompasses a broader range of factors, including food safety regulations, overall hygiene practices, and more extensive standards than just cleanliness alone. Therefore, the most accurate understanding of what it means for an area or item to be "clean" is that it is free of visible soil.