Food Manager Practice Exam

At what temperature and duration should food be frozen to kill parasites effectively?

1. -4 degrees F for 3 days

2. -4 degrees F for 7 days

3. -31 degrees F for 12 hours

4. -31 degrees F for 15 hours

The correct answer is: -4 degrees F for 7 days

Freezing food is an important method for controlling parasites in various food products. To effectively kill parasites, the food must be subjected to specific temperature and duration conditions. The correct choice indicates that food should be frozen at -4 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 days. This process is effective because, at this temperature, the parasites present in the food will not survive beyond this duration. In practical terms, freezing at -4 degrees Fahrenheit helps ensure that the internal temperature of the food remains consistent throughout and long enough to ensure the death of harmful parasites. This is crucial especially for foods that are commonly associated with parasitic infections, such as certain types of fish and meat. Other options suggest different temperature-duration combinations, but they may not align as precisely with the guidelines established by food safety authorities aimed at eliminating parasites effectively. For instance, temperatures that are too warm or durations that are too short might not guarantee the complete elimination of parasites, leading to food safety risks.