How Long Can Food Stay in the Temperature Danger Zone? https://seaforthgroup.co.uk
Maintaining food in a safe temperature zone is important for several reasons. Foods are likely to attract bacteria after being kept at room temperature for a certain period. If you want to maintain freshness in the food you need to ensure that it is kept in safe temperature zones. Otherwise, bacteria will start growing in it at a rapid pace and cause harmful effects to human health. Such effects are known as foodborne diseases that include food poisoning, diarrhea, etc.
A restaurant owner or worker has the responsibility of maintaining freshness in foods. There are several types of equipment that are used to keep foods in safe temperature zones. Before we talk about how and why they are used. Here is a little explanation on what is the temperature danger zone. Also Read: Key Features of High-Quality Food Warmers
Foods kept at room temperature serve as a breeding place for bacteria to grow rapidly. Such bacteria are harmful and dangerous to human health when consumed. The temperature danger zone is any temperature that lies between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the temperature where bacteria grow at a faster rate and can be doubled within a span of 15 to 20 minutes. Hence, the longer the food sits in the temperature danger zone, the more bacteria will grow over and will spoil the food. Such foods are dangerous to eat and may cause severe infections in humans like abscesses, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and weaken the human body.
How Long Can Food Stay in Temperature Danger Zone?
Generally, foods should be kept for no longer than 120 minutes at room temperature. The safe temperature level for cold foods is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Whereas hot foods must be kept above 140 degrees Fahrenheit for them to remain safe. If the kitchen is warm i.e. the temperature levels are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, they should be kept out for no more than 60 minutes. Warm kitchens are the best place for bacteria growth hence keeping foods out in a warm kitchen must be avoided.
The easiest way to keep food safe from the temperature danger zone is to constantly monitor its temperature. When you know what the temperature the food is at, you would know what to do with it. Record temperature and regular intervals to monitor the condition of the foods. It should be noted here that the thermometer used to measure temperature should be kept clean and used only for food items.
There is equipment available in the market that is also being used by restaurant and bakery owners to keep foods at a safe temperature. Henny Penny Heated Holding Cabinet Hc900 is one of those things that can keep hot foods safe and restrict the growth of bacteria. Similarly, for cold food, deep freezers or refrigerators are used to maintain temperatures and freshness of foods before being served to the customers.