Food Handler · General

A food manager is verifying the two-stage cooling process. What are the correct time and temperature requirements?

Correct answer

From 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, AND then from 70°F to 41°F within an additional 4 hours (6 hours total maximum)

  1. A From 135°F to 70°F within 6 hours total
  2. B From 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, AND then from 70°F to 41°F within an additional 4 hours (6 hours total maximum)
  3. C From 165°F to 41°F within 1 hour
  4. D Cool to room temperature first, then refrigerate

Why this is the answer

TWO-STAGE COOLING: Cooked TCS food that will be stored must be cooled rapidly through the danger zone: STAGE 1: From 135°F to 70°F within 2 HOURS; STAGE 2: From 70°F to 41°F within an additional 4 HOURS (6 hours total maximum); if the food does not reach 70°F within the first 2 hours, it must be reheated to 165°F and the cooling process restarted, OR discarded; RATIONALE: The 70°F-125°F range is where bacteria grow most rapidly, so the first stage (the most dangerous range) has the tighter 2-hour limit; COOLING METHODS to speed cooling: divide food into smaller/shallower portions; use ice baths; use ice paddles/wands; use blast chillers; stir frequently; loosely cover or leave uncovered while cooling (then cover); place in shallow pans (≤2-4 inches deep); never cool large pots of food in the refrigerator (cools too slowly, raises fridge temp); MONITORING cooling is a critical control point; food managers must verify proper cooling procedures and corrective actions; improper cooling is a leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks.
Source: Food Manager — Two-Stage Cooling

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