Cold food should be held at ____ °F or colder.

Cold food should be held at ____ °F or colder.

• A. 50
• B. 40
• C. 55
• D. 32

Answer: (B)

Keeping cold foods at 40°F or colder slows the growth of harmful bacteria by staying below the temperature range where they multiply rapidly. Bacteria grow most quickly in the danger zone between 41°F and 135°F, so holding cold items at or below 40°F reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Temperatures like 50°F or 55°F are too warm for cold holding and would allow bacteria to multiply more easily. A temperature of 32°F is colder than the threshold and would also keep foods safe, but 40°F is the standard holding limit used in most guidelines. Use a calibrated thermometer to ensure you stay at or below 40°F.

Keeping cold foods at 40°F or colder slows the growth of harmful bacteria by staying below the temperature range where they multiply rapidly. Bacteria grow most quickly in the danger zone between 41°F and 135°F, so holding cold items at or below 40°F reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Temperatures like 50°F or 55°F are too warm for cold holding and would allow bacteria to multiply more easily. A temperature of 32°F is colder than the threshold and would also keep foods safe, but 40°F is the standard holding limit used in most guidelines. Use a calibrated thermometer to ensure you stay at or below 40°F.