What is the importance of the "pre-wash" step in a 3-compartment sink?

The pre-wash step in a 3-compartment sink is crucial for removing food particles from dishes before they go into the main washing compartment. This step ensures that larger pieces of food debris, grease, and residues are cleared away, which helps to enhance the effectiveness of the subsequent washing process. By removing food particles beforehand, the sanitizer used later can effectively reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, as it will be able to work on clean surfaces rather than having to deal with residual debris. This step also contributes to maintaining better hygiene and sanitation standards in food service environments.