A food worker at deli spends three and a half hours slicing meats on a deli slicer. She takes a lunch break and returns to the deli. What must she do before using the deli slicer?

Before using the deli slicer again after her lunch break, the food worker must ensure that the slicer is clean and sanitized. This is important to maintain food safety and prevent cross-contamination. She should follow these steps:

1. Clean the Slicer: Remove any meat residues or particles left on the slicer from the previous use. This involves disassembling parts of the slicer if necessary and washing them with soap and water.

2. Sanitize the Slicer: After cleaning, she should sanitize the slicer using an appropriate food-safe sanitizer to kill any remaining bacteria.

3. Inspect the Slicer: Check for any damage or wear on the slicer parts to ensure it is safe to use.

4. Reassemble and Test: Once cleaned and sanitized, reassemble the slicer and perform a quick test to ensure it is functioning correctly.

These steps are crucial for maintaining hygiene and ensuring the safety of the food being prepared.