Final answer:
The food worker should ensure that the temperature of the refrigerated display case falls within the safe range. They can adjust the temperature settings if available or notify a supervisor for maintenance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this scenario, the food worker records the temperature of the refrigerated display case at 7:00 AM, and another food worker starts their shift at 12:00 PM to find that the temperature is 51°F (11°C). Since the recommended temperature for a refrigerated display case is below 40°F (4°C), the food worker should take immediate action to address the issue.
First, they should check if the display case has any controls to adjust the temperature. If so, they should lower the setting to ensure it falls within the safe range. If there are no temperature controls, the worker should notify a supervisor or manager so that maintenance can be scheduled to fix the issue. It is important to maintain proper temperatures to prevent the growth of bacteria and ensure food safety.