Question

Which of the following practices contributes to keeping hot food at food safe temperatures? A) Allowing hot food to sit at room temperature for an extended period.

B) Storing hot food in a refrigerator.
C) Using insulated containers or hot holding equipment.
D) Placing hot food directly into the freezer.
E) Adding ice to hot food to cool it down quickly.

Answer 1

The correct practice for maintaining hot food at safe temperatures is using insulated containers or hot holding equipment, which helps prevent bacterial growth by keeping the food above the minimum safe temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The practice that contributes to keeping hot food at food safe temperatures is C) Using insulated containers or hot holding equipment. This method ensures that food is maintained above the minimum safe temperature, which inhibits the growth of harmful microbes. Practices like allowing hot food to sit at room temperature or adding ice to cool it down can bring food into the dangerous temperature zone between 40 and 140 degrees F, where bacteria can multiply rapidly.

Storing hot food in a refrigerator or freezer can be appropriate for cooling and long-term storage, but it must be done properly to ensure safety. Food should not be placed directly into the freezer while still very hot, as it can raise the freezer's temperature. Instead, large quantities like a big pot of soup should be rapidly cooled in an ice water bath before refrigeration to quickly bring the temperature down.