Final answer:
The first step in cleaning and sanitizing items in a three-compartment sink is to pre-wash the items.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in cleaning and sanitizing items in a three-compartment sink is to pre-wash the items. This involves removing any visible dirt, debris, or food particles from the items by rinsing them off with water or scrubbing them with a brush. Pre-washing helps to remove the initial layer of contamination before moving on to the next steps of cleaning and sanitizing.