Temperature Danger Zone
What is the temperature range of the "danger zone" where bacteria multiply most rapidly?
40° F to 140° F
What is the rule for storing food in a refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination?
Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the bottom shelf, below ready-to-eat foods.
What is the final step in the three-compartment sink method?
Sanitizing.
Myth or Fact: You can tell if food is safe to eat by smelling it.
Myth. Harmful bacteria often don't have a smell or taste.
There are some remaining chicken breasts in the hot-holding pans after dinner is served. The chef wants to use the leftover chicken in a chicken salad recipe that will be served later in the week. What is the maximum amount of time the leftovers can safely be stored in the refrigerator for use?
7 days
What is the minimum internal cooking temperature for chicken?
165° F (74° C)
How long should you wash your hands to effectively remove germs?
At least 20 seconds.
What's the one thing a food handler should never do with their hands while working with food?
Touch their hair, face, or clothes, and then return to handling food without washing their hands.
Myth or Fact: Microwaving food kills all bacteria.
Myth. Microwaves can leave cold spots where bacteria can survive. Food must be stirred and cooked to the proper internal temperature.
What is the process of gradually thawing frozen food in preparation for deep fat frying known as?
Slacking
How quickly must hot food be cooled to get it out of the danger zone?
It must be cooled from 135° F to 70° F within two hours, and then from 70° F to 41° F or below in an additional four hours.
What is a common practice to avoid cross-contamination when using a cutting board for both raw meat and vegetables?
Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce, or wash and sanitize the board thoroughly between uses.
True or False: You should wash produce with soap or detergent to ensure it's clean.
False. You should only use cold running water.
Myth or Fact: Thawing frozen food on the counter is a safe method.
Myth. Food should be thawed in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave.
During the receiving of an order, which type of thermometer may be used to check the temperature of raw chicken followed by the temperature of fresh produce without needing to be sterilized in between temperature checks?
Infrared thermometer
Six hours, as long as its temperature doesn't exceed 70° F
A cook uses a towel to wipe up a spill from a raw chicken package. What should they do with the towel next?
Place it in a designated laundry bin for cleaning. They should not use it to wipe other surfaces.
What cleaner would you use to remove burned-on mashed potatoes
Abrasive cleaner
Myth or Fact: If you drop food on the floor and pick it up within 5 seconds, it's still safe to eat.
Myth. Germs can transfer to food instantly.
The most widely used method of calibrating a bimetallic stemmed thermometer is:
Ice-point method
The chef prepared a roast beef yesterday afternoon. The beef was cooked and chilled appropriately, following all time and temperature requirements to keep the food safe. Today at the bistro cafe, a customer ordered the hot roast beef sandwich. At what internal temperature does the roast beef need to be reheated to before it is safe for the customer to consume?
There is no minimum internal temperature requirement for this scenario.
What's the best way to prevent germs from spreading from your clothing to food?
Wear a clean apron or uniform and change it if it becomes visibly soiled.
What should a food handler do with their hair to prevent it from contaminating food?
Wear a hair net, hat, or other effective hair restraint
Myth or Fact: The date on a food package, like "Best By" or "Use By," is always a reliable indicator of food safety.
Myth. "Best By" dates are for quality, not safety. However, "Use By" is a better indicator of when the food might be unsafe. It is still crucial to follow proper storage guidelines regardless of the date.
The bottom edge of a sneeze guard on a buffet line should be _______ above the counter and extend _______ beyond the food.
14 inches : 7 inches