Question

A shipment of fresh spinach has arrived. Where should it be stored?

a. Beside uncooked meat
b. Under an open stairwell
c. On a shelf in the walk-in cooler
d. Inside a cabinet in a locker room

Answer 1

Option C. Fresh spinach should be stored on a shelf in the walk-in cooler to slow down ripening and reduce bacterial growth. Refrigeration and ventilation are important as they preserve freshness and prevent contamination, such as serious E. coli outbreaks linked to spinach.

Step-by-step explanation:

Fresh spinach should be stored on a shelf in a walk-in cooler. This is because storage facilities for fruits and vegetables are usually refrigerated and well-ventilated, which provides optimal conditions for preserving the freshness and quality of the produce.

The fresh spinach shipment should be stored on a shelf in the walk-in cooler. Storage facilities for fruits and vegetables, including spinach, are ideally refrigerated to slow down the ripening process and reduce the growth of bacteria. Ventilation is also crucial to prevent the accumulation of ethylene gas released from fruits and vegetables, which can speed up ripening and lead to spoilage.

Considering the risk of foodborne illnesses from produce such as E. coli serotype O157:H7, which has been associated with serious outbreaks linked to raw spinach, the importance of proper storage in a cold and ventilated environment cannot be overstated. It helps in preserving the freshness of spinach and protecting it from contamination, which could lead to potentially fatal health consequences.