Cicerone Certified Beer Server Practice Test

What action should be taken to prevent infections in the brewing process?

1. Increase fermentation temperature

2. Utilize proper sanitation practices

3. Use less adjuncts

4. Add more hops

The correct answer is: Utilize proper sanitation practices

Utilizing proper sanitation practices is essential in the brewing process to prevent infections. Infections typically occur when unwanted microorganisms, such as wild yeast and bacteria, contaminate the brewing equipment or ingredients. Ensuring that all brewing equipment—like fermenters, kegs, and bottling lines—is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized minimizes the risk of these microorganisms affecting the beer. Proper sanitation involves washing with appropriate detergents, rinsing with clean water, and sanitizing with solutions that are effective against a wide range of pathogens. This step is critical as even small amounts of contamination can lead to off-flavors or spoilage of the beer. By maintaining stringent sanitation protocols, brewers can create an environment that preserves the integrity of the beer and prevents unwanted infections.