A high-temp dish machine's data plate lists operating temperatures, but the manager wants to confirm dishes are actually being sanitized. What is a reliable check?
a.Read the built-in manifold gauge, which the data plate sets at 180°F, and accept that number without any independent check
b.Use a maximum-registering thermometer or heat-sensitive test strip to confirm the dish surface reaches about 160°F
c.Judge the temperature by handling the plates barehanded immediately as they leave the dishmachine rack
d.Assume the machine is sanitizing because it is new and its data plate lists the manufacturer's operating temperatures
Explanation
To confirm a high-temperature machine is sanitizing, the manager should verify that the dish surface actually reaches about 160°F, using a maximum-registering thermometer or a heat-sensitive label run through the machine. The built-in gauge shows the 180°F manifold rinse temperature, not the temperature the dish surface reached, and it can drift out of calibration. Touching dishes by hand is neither safe nor a valid measurement, and a new machine still has to be verified each shift.
Law Reference: FDA Food Code §4-501.112Practice all 500 questions free — no signup required.
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