Meal Service
What is the minimum temperature HOT and COOKED food should be held at, while serving?
140 degrees F
What is the maximum time a refrigerated item can be left outside of the refrigerator and still be considered safe?
2 hours
What is the minimum safe internal cooking temperature for poultry (chicken, turkey, etc.)?
165 degrees F
What is the maximum temperature cold food should reach while being served?
40 degrees F
What range of numbers is considered "The Danger Zone"?
40-140 degrees F
What is the minimum internal temperature that egg dishes and ground meat must meet to be served?
160 degrees F
If you discover the salad bar has had food on it for 3 hours, but it was never turned on, what should you do?
Discard all contents on the salad bar. Replenish it with fresh, cold, ingredients. Turn the ON the refrigeration switch.
Why does the "Danger Zone" range of temperatures have that name?
Bacteria (E.Coli, Salmonella enteritidis, and Staphylococcus aureus) grow most quickly and can double in number in as little as 20 minutes.
What is the minimum internal temperature that beef, pork, lamb, steaks, and chops must meet to be served safely?
145 degrees F
If hot food is above 90 degrees F, how long can it be left out without cooling or reheating?
No more than 1 hour
What is the proper method and temperature for storing leftovers?
You are running behind on getting the pork chop lunch out for the Crossings staff. When you read the thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat, it reads 135 degrees F. Is this food safe to serve?
No! It must reach a temperature of 145 degrees F to be considered safe to serve.
A customer catches your attention to ask if lunch is ready. You tell them that the ground beef is still not ready. They express to you that they would really like lunch now, and say "that's okay! I like my beef a little pink". Should you serve them their meal?
No! Ground meat needs to be fully cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees F. Only then can it be served.
What is one of the most common causes of food borne illness, related to cooked foods?
Spaghetti and meatballs was served for lunch. After setting the leftovers aside to cool at 1pm, you realize at 4pm they are still sitting where you left them! What should you do?
Reheat the leftovers to 165 degrees F and then cool in shallow containers. Must reach 40 degrees F within 2 hours.