Which of the following is a method for controlling moisture condensation in food facilities?

• A. Ventilation and air flow control
• B. Keep surface temperatures below the dew point
• C. Increase humidity in storage
• D. Stop cleaning surfaces

Answer: (A)

Moisture condensation happens when warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces. Air can hold less moisture as it cools, so when it drops to its dew point, water condenses on nearby surfaces. The best way to prevent this in food facilities is to control humidity through ventilation and air flow, which exchanges humid indoor air for drier air, improves air distribution, and keeps relative humidity lower. By reducing the amount of moisture in the air, surfaces are less likely to reach the dew point, so condensation on walls, equipment, or storage areas is minimized. Lowering surface temperatures below the dew point would actually promote condensation, while increasing humidity in storage adds more moisture to the air, and stopping cleaning doesn’t address moisture control and can worsen safety and hygiene issues.