ServSafe Manager Practice Exam

How often should food that requires refrigeration be checked for temperature?

1. Once a day

2. Every two hours

3. At least every 4 hours

4. Only when being prepared

The correct answer is: At least every 4 hours

Food that requires refrigeration should be checked for temperature at least every four hours to ensure that it remains within safe temperature limits. This practice is critical in preventing the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. Keeping refrigerated foods at or below 41°F (5°C) slows down bacterial growth, while temperatures above this can lead to unsafe conditions. Regular monitoring every four hours provides a reasonable balance between controlling food safety and efficiency in a food service environment. This frequent check helps to identify temperature fluctuations that could jeopardize food safety, allowing for prompt corrective actions if foods are not being stored at appropriate temperatures. Less frequent checks, such as once a day or only during preparation, might not catch temperature abuse in time, leading to an increased risk of foodborne illness. Checking every two hours, while more frequent than necessary for many situations, can also lead to unnecessary labor without significant benefits if operationally managed properly. Therefore, checking every four hours is considered a best practice in maintaining food safety standards in refrigeration.