Time & Temperature (NYC)Question 54 of 240
A supervisor finds cut melon on the salad bar reading 50°F. According to NYC cold-holding rules, the food is:
a.Safe as long as it looks fresh
b.Safe because melon is a fruit
c.In the danger zone (above 41°F) — corrective action is required, such as rapid cooling if within time limits or discarding
d.Fine, since 50°F is below room temperature
Explanation
Cut melon is a TCS food that must be held at 41°F or below; at 50°F it is in the danger zone and out of compliance. The supervisor must take corrective action — determine how long it has been out of temperature, rapidly re-cool it if still within allowable time, or discard it. Appearance and being a fruit do not make it safe.
Law Reference: NYC Health Code Article 81This topic, taught in full in the NYC Food Protection Certificate guide. NYC Food Protection Certificate — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $14.99 · 14-day refund →
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