ServSafe Manager Practice Exam

A chef purchases fresh fish from a local fisherman. Is this an approved supplier?

1. Yes, because it is local

2. Yes, it is fresh

3. No, the fisherman is not inspected

4. Yes, if the fish is cooked

The correct answer is: No, the fisherman is not inspected

For a supplier to be considered approved, they must meet certain safety and health regulations, which typically include being inspected and certified by relevant authorities. In this case, if the local fisherman is not subject to any inspections, this raises concerns about the safety and quality of the seafood being provided. The fact that the fish is fresh or local does not automatically qualify the fisherman as an approved supplier. Freshness alone is not an indicator of the absence of pathogens or the presence of safe handling practices. Moreover, the standards for seafood suppliers often require adherence to specific guidelines set by agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or local health departments. Without verification of compliance with safety standards, sourcing fish from an uninspected fisherman poses a risk to food safety, making the supplier unapproved in the context of food service operations. Thus, relying on formal inspections ensures that the food served is safe for consumption.