Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CP-FS Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct lighting intensity required for handwashing areas is 20 foot candles (215 lux). Adequate lighting is essential in handwashing areas to ensure that food employees can effectively see and perform the necessary hygiene tasks. The 20 foot candles standard helps facilitate thorough washing and rinsing of hands, reducing the risk of contamination.

Good visibility is critical to help staff ensure all surfaces of their hands are cleaned properly and to notice any potential hazards or cleanliness issues in the area. Insufficient lighting may lead to overlooking important steps in hand hygiene or inadequate cleaning, which could contribute to foodborne illnesses.

In contrast, while lower lighting levels might not meet regulatory standards, higher levels, such as 30 or 40 foot candles, are unnecessary and may contribute to visual discomfort or glare without providing additional benefits in this context. Therefore, the established requirement of 20 foot candles strikes a balance between sufficient illumination and comfort for employees.