FOOD SAFETY Flashcards
SEPARATE RAW AND COOKED
Never place cooked food on a plate or board that has come into contact with raw food.
PUT UP A BARRIER
Items that come into contact with both raw and cooked food, like scales and platters, should be covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to create a protective barrier.
DON’T RINSE RAW MEAT AND POULTRY
This could spread contaminates around your sink.
SAFER SEASONINGS
Though bacteria can’t live for more than a few minutes in direct contact with salt (which quickly dehydrates bacteria, leading to death), they can live on the edges of a box shaker. Have separate bowl with 4 parts kosher salt (or 2 parts table salt) 1 part pepper.
DON’T RECYCLE USED MARINADES
Used marinade is contaminated with raw meat juices and is therefore unsafe to consume.
AVOID THE DANGER ZONE
Most bacteria thrive between 40 and 140ºF. Within this danger zone, bacteria double every 20 minutes, quickly reaching harmful levels. Food shouldn’t stay out in this zone for longer than 2 hours (1 hour if it’s over 90ºF).
DEFROST IN FRIDGE
Defrosting should always be done in the refrigerator, not on the counter, where the temperatures are higher and bacteria can multiply readily. Always place on a plate or bowl to avoid liquid contacting other foods.
Most food will take how long to thaw?
24 hours; larger items, like whole turkeys, can take far longer - count on about 5 hours per pound.
COUNTERINTUITIVE COOLING
Though it may go against your instincts, don’t put hot foods in the fridge immediately after cooking; this will raise the temp of the refrigerator, potentially making it hospitable for bacteria to spread.
The FDA recommends cooling food to what temp before refrigeration?
70ºF
Cooling food on the counter for an hour will reach what temp?
Usually 80 to 90ºF; just warm to the touch.
REHEAT RAPIDLY
When food is reheated, it should be brought to the danger zone as rapidly as possible. Don’t let it come slowly to a simmer. Bring left over sauces, soups and gravies to a boil and make sure casseroles reach 165 degrees.
Where should raw meat be stored?
Wrapped and below any shelves that contain food.
Storing temp: fish and shellfish
30 to 34 degrees
Storing temp: meat and poultry
32 to 36 degrees
