Food Manager Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Food Manager Exam with detailed multiple choice questions, flashcards, and comprehensive explanations. Enhance your readiness and get confident for your certification!

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How long do you have to cool food from 135 degrees to 70 degrees F in the 2 Stage Cooling Process?

1 hour
2 hours
3 hours
4 hours

The correct answer is: 2 hours

In the two-stage cooling process, it is essential to cool food properly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. The first stage requires that food be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours. This specific time frame is crucial as it ensures that food passes through the danger zone of temperatures where bacteria multiply rapidly (between 41°F and 135°F) as quickly as possible. Cooling food in this manner is part of safe food handling practices and is mandated by food safety regulations to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. After reaching 70°F, food must then be cooled from 70°F to 41°F or lower within an additional 4 hours, making it a total of 6 hours to go from 135°F to 41°F. Choosing a longer time frame, such as 3 or 4 hours for the first stage, would increase the risk of bacterial growth, which is why it is important to adhere strictly to the 2-hour guideline for cooling from 135°F to 70°F.