What is the cooling temperature threshold for high-risk food items?

The cooling temperature threshold for high-risk food items is important for food safety because it helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. High-risk foods, which include items such as cooked meats, dairy products, and cooked rice, can quickly become unsafe if not handled correctly.

The correct cooling temperature threshold of 60°C to 4°C establishes that food must be cooled from temperatures above 60°C to below 4°C within a specific timeframe, typically within 2 hours. The upper limit of 60°C helps to ensure that food is cooling quickly enough to minimize the time it spends in the temperature danger zone (between 4°C and 60°C), where bacteria can multiply rapidly. The lower limit of 4°C ensures that the food remains at a safe temperature for storage and reduces the risk of foodborne illness.

In contrast, the other options suggest either too high a temperature for the starting point of cooling or a safety threshold that does not effectively inhibit bacterial growth, leading to potential risks in food safety. Understanding these temperature thresholds is crucial for anyone handling food and is a key element of food safety practices.