Pesticides or other poisonous materials must be?

Pesticides and other poisonous materials must be clearly labeled and locked separately to ensure safety in food handling environments. This measure is crucial for preventing accidental contamination of food. Proper labeling ensures that everyone in the food preparation area can easily identify potentially hazardous substances, thereby reducing the risk of misuse or accidental exposure.

Locking these materials away serves as an additional safety precaution, keeping them out of reach of unauthorized personnel and minimizing the chances of accidental ingestion or cross-contamination. This practice aligns with food safety regulations and standards that prioritize the health and safety of consumers.

In contrast, storing pesticides in food prep areas or alongside cleaning products increases the risk of contamination, as well as complicates the identification of hazardous substances. Dry storage areas, while potentially safe for many other materials, do not provide the essential protections that come with proper labeling and secured storage for poisonous substances.