Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate Food Storage & Temperature Control 2

Question 1

What is the difference between a 'use-by' date and a 'best before' date?

Accepted Answer

'Use-by' is about safety; 'best before' is about quality

Answer

A 'use-by' date is a food safety date — food must not be sold or consumed after this date. A 'best before' date is a quality indicator — food may be safe to eat after this date but its quality may have deteriorated.

Question 2

What temperature should a domestic or commercial freezer maintain to keep food safe?

Accepted Answer

-18°C or below

Answer

Freezers should maintain a temperature of -18°C or below to keep food safe. At this temperature, bacterial growth is prevented and food quality is preserved for longer periods.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a safe method of thawing frozen food?

Accepted Answer

Thawing on a kitchen counter at room temperature for several hours

Answer

Thawing food on a counter at room temperature for hours places the outer layers in the temperature danger zone while the inside is still frozen, allowing bacteria to multiply rapidly. Safe thawing uses the fridge, cold water, or microwave (with immediate cooking).

Question 4

Why is it important to store dry goods (flour, rice, cereals) in sealed containers?

Accepted Answer

To prevent pest infestation and physical/microbiological contamination

Answer

Storing dry goods in sealed containers prevents contamination from pests (rodents and insects), moisture ingress, and foreign bodies, and also prevents cross-contamination with other foods.

Question 5

How should raw fish be stored in a refrigerator relative to cooked shellfish?

Accepted Answer

Raw fish below cooked shellfish on a separate shelf

Answer

Raw fish must be stored below cooked shellfish (and all ready-to-eat foods) to prevent drips from raw fish contaminating cooked products, which will not undergo further cooking.

Level 2 Food Hygiene Practice Test

Level 2 Food Hygiene Practice Test

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate Food Storage & Temperature Control 2