Food Safety Zone

Temperature control is an important part of food storage. Perishable foods must be kept out of the “Food Danger Zone”(45-140º F) (7-60º C) as much as possible, because these temperatures support bacterial growth.

 

   

Cooking
Temperatures
Most disease-causing organisms killed in a few minutes.

Hot Food
Holding
Bacteris do not multiply, but most
are not killed.

Food
Danger
Zone

Bacteria multiply rapidly.


Cold Food
Storage
(refrigeration)

Food safe for short periods. Little bacteria growth.

Subfreezing Bacteria do not grow, but most are not killed.

Freezer Storage Bacteria do not grow, but most are not killed. Best temperatures for frozen food storage.
 

Popular Recipes

Check our most popular recipes of this week

Fresh spinach and roasted eggplant salad with bean sprouts, topped with a tangy dressing, served on a white plate in a cozy kitchen.

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10 min • Easy • 4 to 6 servings

Hot tea with a lemon slice, fresh ginger, honey jar, and kettle on the counter, suggesting a soothing beverage recipe.

Hot toddy

10 min • Easy • 1 serving

Crispy shrimp spring rolls served with a creamy dipping sauce on a plate in a kitchen setting.

Firecracker shrimp

40 min • Moderate • 4 servings

Golden cornbread with a slice missing, baked in a cast iron skillet on a granite countertop, with kitchen utensils in the background.

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50 min • Easy • 8 to 10 servings

Baked salmon fillet topped with a crust of crushed pistachios, served on a beige plate with olive oil and sauce in the background.

Pistachio-Miso Crusted Salmon

45 min • Easy • 2 to 4 servings

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