What is the action required to remove surface dirt from food items?

The action required to remove surface dirt from food items is best described as washing. Washing involves using water, often with the aid of soap or other cleaning agents, to thoroughly clean food items, thereby removing dirt, debris, and any potential contaminants that may be present on their surfaces. This process is essential for food safety, ensuring that the food is clean before preparation or consumption.

While rinsing can help remove loose dirt or residues, it does not involve the same level of thorough cleaning that washing does. Soaking might aid in loosening stubborn dirt but doesn’t guarantee that food will be clean. Sanitizing is a separate process intended to reduce pathogens to safe levels after washing, but it does not necessarily remove surface dirt. Therefore, washing is the correct action to effectively remove dirt from food items.