Holding & ServiceQuestion 235 of 320
How should an employee verify that the beef barbacoa in the steam table is being held at a safe temperature?
a.Feel the outside of the pan with a bare hand
b.Read the water temperature gauge on the steam table
c.Insert a cleaned and sanitized probe thermometer into the thickest part of the food and confirm it reads at least 135°F
d.Watch for steam rising from the surface of the food
Explanation
Only a direct internal measurement with a calibrated, sanitized probe confirms the food itself is at 135°F or above. Equipment gauges measure water or air, and visual cues such as steam can appear well below safe holding temperatures.
Law Reference: FDA Food Code §4-302.12Practice all 320 questions free — no signup required.
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