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

Plate of steamed green beans and zucchini slices drizzled with olive oil on a kitchen countertop.

Oven steamed vegetables

35 min • Easy • 4 servings

Hearty lentil soup with roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, and celery in a white bowl, set on a wooden table beside a pot and fresh vegetables.

Vegetarian French Lentil Soup

45 min • Easy • 4 to 6 servings

Slice of apple pie topped with creamy custard sauce on a ceramic plate, set on a wooden kitchen counter with a saucepan and bowl in the background.

Custard

25 min • Easy to Moderate • 4 servings

Strawberries marinated in balsamic vinegar, served in a white bowl with a bottle of vinegar, a wooden pepper grinder, and a spoon of sugar nearby.

Strawberries with balsamic vinegar

70 min • Easy • 4 servings

Bowl of creamy vegetable dip with visible herbs, placed on a linen napkin, accompanied by carrot and celery sticks on a wooden board.

Creamy Blue Cheese Dip

10 min • Easy • 4 to 6 servings

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