Is a 3-compartment sink necessary in restaurants that have a mechanical dishwasher?

In a restaurant setting, the primary function of a 3-compartment sink is to provide a method for manually washing, rinsing, and sanitizing dishes and utensils. When a restaurant is equipped with a mechanical dishwasher, it can perform these tasks more efficiently and consistently, providing a level of cleanliness that typically meets health regulations and standards.

Therefore, the necessity of a 3-compartment sink diminishes when mechanical dishwashers are in use, as they fulfill the requirements for cleaning and sanitizing dishware. However, it's essential that the establishment adheres to local health codes, as some regulations might still recommend or require the presence of a 3-compartment sink for specific tasks or backup in certain situations, like in case of dishwasher malfunction.

In summary, while a mechanical dishwasher in a restaurant can handle the washing and sanitizing functions, the presence of a 3-compartment sink is not mandated if the establishment maintains proper dishwashing protocols with the dishwasher.