Final answer:
It is True that a food worker can thaw a frozen ham under running water, which is a safe method according to USDA guidelines. The running water helps in heat transfer, thawing the ham safely and quickly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement regarding a food worker wanting to thaw a frozen ham under running water is True. Thawing under running water is indeed a recognized safe method to thaw frozen foods. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), frozen foods can be safely thawed in three ways: in the refrigerator, by immersing in cold water that is changed every 30 minutes, or in the microwave. When thawing under running water, it's essential to keep the water cold and ensure the ham is in a leak-proof package to avoid bacteria-contaminated water from seeping into the food.
Using running water as a thawing method utilizes the principle of heat transfer. The flowing water carries away the cold from the frozen ham, allowing it to reach a temperature where microbial growth is less likely to restart. It is essential to cook thawed food immediately and treat it as a perishable product.