Under what condition can food and chemicals be stored on the same rack?

Storing food and chemicals on the same rack can pose significant safety risks, as chemicals can contaminate food and cause illness. Choosing to use a barrier between them provides a physical separation that minimizes the risk of contact. This barrier can help ensure that any spills or accidental contact do not compromise the safety of the food items.

While there may be other methods such as sealing chemicals or cleaning the rack regularly that imply a level of safety, these do not provide the same level of protection as an effective barrier. Sealed chemicals can still release harmful vapors or may be punctured, allowing for potential contamination. Similarly, while regular cleaning of the rack is good practice, it does not eliminate the risk of cross-contamination should a chemical spill occur. Placing food underneath chemicals is particularly dangerous, as any leaks would directly threaten the safety of the food. Thus, using a barrier remains the most effective approach to separate food from chemicals safely.