What must the PIC monitor in self-service areas?

The Person in Charge (PIC) must monitor that the food is protected from contamination in self-service areas to ensure food safety. This is critical because self-service setups increase the risk of foodborne illnesses due to multiple handling of food items by customers. By ensuring that the food is protected from contamination, the PIC helps maintain safe food temperatures, avoid cross-contamination, and make sure that any food handling practices prevent pathogen growth or contamination.

This focus on protection is essential in preventing health risks associated with improper handling of food, such as foodborne illnesses. Other concerns, like customer satisfaction with the food, managing food waste, or monitoring employee hours, are important for overall business operation but do not directly pertain to the immediate safety of food in self-service areas.