CFPM CFPM Food Receiving & Storage 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the required holding temperature for a standard commercial refrigerator storing TCS foods?
- Below 50°F (10°C)
- At or below 41°F (5°C) (Correct answer)
- Between 32°F and 36°F (0°C–2°C)
- At or below 45°F (7°C)
Correct answer: At or below 41°F (5°C)
Commercial refrigerators must maintain a temperature of 41°F (5°C) or below to keep TCS foods safe and inhibit bacterial growth.
Question 2: How long can raw poultry safely be stored in a refrigerator at 41°F or below?
- 1–2 days (Correct answer)
- 3–5 days
- Up to 7 days
- Up to 10 days
Correct answer: 1–2 days
Raw poultry should be used within 1–2 days of refrigerated storage to minimize the risk of pathogen growth, particularly Salmonella and Campylobacter.
Question 3: What is the FDA Food Code temperature danger zone for TCS foods?
- 32°F to 145°F (0°C to 63°C)
- 41°F to 135°F (5°C to 57°C) (Correct answer)
- 50°F to 165°F (10°C to 74°C)
- 40°F to 140°F (4°C to 60°C)
Correct answer: 41°F to 135°F (5°C to 57°C)
The FDA Food Code defines the temperature danger zone as 41°F to 135°F (5°C to 57°C), the range where most pathogens grow rapidly.
Question 4: How must raw meat be stored relative to ready-to-eat foods in a shared refrigerator?
- On the same shelf if separated by plastic wrap
- On shelves above ready-to-eat foods
- On shelves below ready-to-eat foods (Correct answer)
- In the same drawer to maintain consistent temperature
Correct answer: On shelves below ready-to-eat foods
Raw meat must always be stored below ready-to-eat foods to prevent drip contamination from raw juices onto foods that will not be cooked.
Question 5: What is date marking used for in food storage?
- To track food delivery costs
- To identify when prepared or opened TCS foods must be consumed or discarded (Correct answer)
- To record the name of the employee who prepared the food
- To track supplier information for inventory audits
Correct answer: To identify when prepared or opened TCS foods must be consumed or discarded
Date marking identifies the date TCS food was prepared or opened so staff know when it must be used or discarded, typically within 7 days including the prep date.
Question 6: What is the maximum number of days that commercially processed, opened ready-to-eat TCS food can be held in a refrigerator at 41°F?
- 3 days
- 5 days
- 7 days (Correct answer)
- 10 days
Correct answer: 7 days
Opened commercially processed ready-to-eat TCS foods may be held for a maximum of 7 days (including the day opened) when stored at 41°F or below.
CFPM CFPM Food Receiving & Storage 2
What is the required holding temperature for a standard commercial refrigerator storing TCS foods?