ServSafe Chapter 5: The Flow of Food: An Introduction
A thermometer used to measure the temperature of food must be accurate to what temperature?
+/- 2F or +/- 1C
A thermometer used to measure the temperature of air in food storage equipment must be accurate to what temperature?
+/- 3F or +/- 1.5C
At what temperature should a thermometer read when calibrating it using the boiling-point method?
212 degrees F
At what temperature should a thermometer read when calibrating it using the ice-point method?
32 degrees F
TCS food must be thrown out if it stays in the temperature danger zone for how many hours?
4 hours or more
Temperature danger zone
41 degrees F to 135 degrees F
Pathogens grow especially fast between what two temperatures?
70-125
Boiling-point method
A form of calibration based on the temperature at which water boils.
Ice-point method
A form of calibration based on the temperature at which water freezes.
What devise can be used to record time-temperature abuse during the delivery of food?
Time-temperature indicator (TTI)
Calibration
Adjustment
When should thermometers be washed, rinsed, sanitized, and air-dried?
Before and after using the thermometer
When should thermometers be calibrated?
Before each shift and before the first delivery arrives
Thermocouple and thermistors
Check temperatures through a metal probe Temperatures displayed digitally Sensing area is on the tip of the probe Good for checking thick and thin food Available in multiple sizes and styles
Bimetallic stemmed thermometer
Checks temperatures from 0-220 Used for checking the temperature of large or thick food
What probe should be used to check the temperature of a large stockpot of chili?
Immersion probe
Which type of thermometer can read temperature without touching the item's surface?
Infrared
A food handler has finished trimming raw chicken on a cutting board and needs to prep vegetables. What must be done to the cutting board?
It must be washed, rinsed, and sanitized
Infrared (Laser) Thermometers
Measure the temperatures of food and equipment surfaces Quick and easy to use Cannot measure air temperature or internal temperature of food. Can be used without touching an item's surface
When can glass thermometers be used?
Only when enclosed in a shatterproof casing
Time-temperature indicator (TTI)
Tags attached to packaging by the supplier. Monitor both time and temperature Change color if the food has been time-temperature abused during shipment
Flow of food
The path of food as it moves from purchasing and receiving through storing, prepping, cooking, holding, cooling, reheating, and serving.
How far must a bimetallic stemmed thermometer be inserted into food to give an accurate reading?
Up to the dimple of the thermometer stem
What are 4 ways to prevent cross-contamination during the flow of food?
Use separate equipment Clean and sanitize all work surfaces, equipment, and utensils Prep food at different times Buy prepared food
Penetration probe
Used to check the internal temperature of food. Good for thin foods
Air probe
Used to check the temperature inside coolers and ovens
Immersion probe
Used to check the temperatures of liquids
Surface probe
Used to measure the temperature of flat cooking equipment
Maximum registering thermometer
Used where temperature readings cannot be continuously observed. Works well for checking final rinse temperatures of dishwashing machines
