Final answer:
The 3 recommended methods for thawing food in a restaurant are refrigerator, cold water immersion, and microwave.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 3 recommended methods for thawing food in a restaurant according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) are:
- Refrigerator: Thaw the food in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4 degrees C (40 degrees F) or below. This method is safe and helps inhibit bacterial growth.
- Cold Water Immersion: Thaw the food by immersing it in cold water that is changed every 30 minutes. This ensures that the food stays at a temperature not conducive for bacterial growth.
- Microwave: Thaw the food in the microwave using the appropriate settings to keep the food at temperatures that prevent bacterial growth.
It is important to note that thawed foods should be treated like fresh perishables as bacterial growth can restart in thawed foods. Never refreeze food once it has thawed.