Question

What is the best way to properly handle potentially hazardous Ready-To-Eat (ROP) foods at the time of receiving?

A) Leave them at room temperature for a short period
B) Immediately store them in the refrigerator or freezer
C) Conduct a taste test to check for freshness
D) Place them on the countertop for display

Answer 1

The correct handling of Ready-To-Eat (ROP) foods at reception is immediate storage in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent bacterial growth.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best way to properly handle potentially hazardous Ready-To-Eat (ROP) foods at the time of receiving is B) Immediately store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Temperature control is essential to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Perishable food should not be left in the temperature danger zone between 4 and 60 degrees C (40 and 140 degrees F) for more than two hours. In addition, even after cooking food to safe internal temperatures, one must ensure rapid cooling before refrigeration and avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent the reactivation of microbes.