Texas Food Managers Certification Practice Exam

What should be the water temperature when thawing food under running water?

1. 165 F

2. 41 F

3. 70 F

4. 32 F

The correct answer is: 70 F

The correct water temperature for thawing food under running water is 70 F. Thawing food safely is essential to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. When using water to thaw food, it is crucial to set the water temperature within a range that minimizes the risk of bacteria proliferation. Thawing at 70 F effectively keeps the food in a safe temperature range, as anything colder may prolong the thawing process, while temperatures higher than this could elevate the outer parts of the food into the danger zone, which is between 41 F and 135 F. This risk can lead to the rapid growth of pathogens. Choosing water temperatures at or below the freezing point (32 F) or higher (165 F) would not be appropriate, as either would either slow the thawing process significantly or cook the food, respectively, leading to uneven temperatures and potential food safety issues. Therefore, maintaining a running water temperature at 70 F allows for a balance that effectively thaws smaller portions of food while remaining within a safe range.