Which of the following indicates unsatisfactory chlorine levels?

Chlorine is commonly used as a disinfectant to kill bacteria and sanitize surfaces, especially in food-handling environments. Unsatisfactory chlorine levels can result in inadequate disinfection, which can allow food residues and bacteria to persist on utensils. If food remains stuck on utensils, it indicates that either the cleaning process was insufficient or that a lack of proper sanitation practices, often associated with low or ineffective chlorine levels, has occurred. This scenario can suggest a higher risk for foodborne illnesses since those food residues may harbor pathogens.

The other choices reflect conditions that imply effective sanitation: sparkling clean utensils indicate that they have been effectively cleaned and sanitized; food being cleanly removed from utensils suggests that proper cleaning methods were followed; and no signs of germs present would typically mean that proper sanitation protocols, including appropriate chlorine levels, have been adhered to. Therefore, the presence of food residue directly correlates with unsatisfactory chlorine levels and ineffective cleaning practices.