Food preparation workers typically do the following:

• Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, utensils, and dishes
• Weigh or measure ingredients, such as meats and liquids
• Prepare fruit and vegetables for cooking
• Cut meats, poultry, and seafood and prepare them for cooking
• Mix ingredients for salads
• Store food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage
• Take and record the temperature of food and food storage areas
• Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service

Food preparation workers perform routine, repetitive tasks under the direction of cooks, chefs, or food service managers. To help cooks and other kitchen staff, they prepare ingredients for dishes by slicing and dicing vegetables and by making salads and cold food items. Other common duties include keeping salad bars and buffet tables stocked and clean.

Food preparation workers retrieve pots and pans, clean and store kitchen equipment, and unload and store food supplies. When needed, they retrieve food and equipment for cooks and chefs. In some kitchens, food preparation workers use a variety of commercial kitchen equipment, such as commercial dishwashers, blenders, slicers, or grinders.

In restaurants, workers stock and use soda machines, coffeemakers, and espresso machines to prepare beverages for customers. In fast-food restaurants, food preparation workers may take customer orders and process payments.