What must all food equipment connected to the sanitary system have to prevent sewage backflow?

To prevent the contamination of food and water due to sewage backflow, food equipment connected to the sanitary system must employ indirect drainage. This method creates a physical separation between the food equipment and the sewer system, thereby minimizing the risk of harmful substances entering the food supply. Indirect drainage works by allowing wastewater from equipment to flow into a floor sink or drainage basin, which then connects to the sanitary sewer.

This setup is particularly important because it helps to protect against backflow scenarios where potentially contaminated water could flow back into the food equipment. By using indirect drainage, facilities can help ensure that health standards are maintained and that food safety is prioritized.

Additionally, while factors such as regular maintenance, proper ventilation, and direct sewage connections are important for overall food safety and equipment functioning, they do not directly address the specific need to prevent sewage backflow into food equipment as effectively as indirect drainage does.