Final answer:
Keeping cold foods at the appropriate temperature is achieved by ensuring refrigeration temperatures remain at or below 4 degrees C (40 degrees F) and maintaining freezer temperatures below -18 degrees C (0 degrees F) along with proper thawing practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ways to Keep Cold Foods at Appropriate Temperatures
Keeping cold foods at the right temperature, known as cold holding, is essential for food safety. Two methods to maintain these temperatures are:
Monitoring Refrigeration Temperatures: Ensure the temperature inside the refrigerator is kept at or below 4 degrees C (40 degrees F). Using a thermometer can help track this, especially during events like a power outage.
Proper Freezing Practices: Maintain the freezer temperature below -18 degrees C (0 degrees F) to preserve food quality and stop microbial growth. Thawing should be done in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave, and not at room temperature to prevent microbe activity.
Foods should not be left at temperatures between 4 and 60 degrees C (40 and 140 degrees F) for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth that can cause foodborne illnesses.