Food Safety Zone

Temperature control is an important part of food storage. Perishable foods must be kept out of the “Food Danger Zone”(45-140º F) (7-60º C) as much as possible, because these temperatures support bacterial growth.

 

   

Cooking
Temperatures
Most disease-causing organisms killed in a few minutes.

Hot Food
Holding
Bacteris do not multiply, but most
are not killed.

Food
Danger
Zone

Bacteria multiply rapidly.


Cold Food
Storage
(refrigeration)

Food safe for short periods. Little bacteria growth.

Subfreezing Bacteria do not grow, but most are not killed.

Freezer Storage Bacteria do not grow, but most are not killed. Best temperatures for frozen food storage.
 

Popular Recipes

Check our most popular recipes of this week

Creamy hummus topped with paprika in a white bowl on a kitchen counter, with a spoon and olive oil bottle nearby.

Posh hummus

5 min • Easy • 4 to 6 servings

Slice of cinnamon sugar-topped strawberry bread served with a dollop of cream, with a loaf in the background.

Banana-Strawberry Bread

70 min • Moderate • 2 loaves servings

A plate of penne pasta topped with a rich, hearty meat sauce, garnished with fresh parsley, set on a wooden kitchen counter.

Porky pasta

30 min • Easy • 2 to 3 servings

Juicy sliced pork roast with rich gravy on a plate, accompanied by a blender with marinade and garlic cloves in a bowl.

Chancho al Horno (Peruvian Pork)

140 min • Moderate • 6 to 8 servings

Crispy shrimp spring rolls served with a creamy dipping sauce on a plate in a kitchen setting.

Firecracker shrimp

40 min • Moderate • 4 servings

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