Ontario Food Handler Certificate Food Storage and Labelling 2

Question 1

How long can ready-to-eat potentially hazardous food be stored in a refrigerator at 4°C or below?

Accepted Answer

Up to 7 days from preparation

Answer

Ready-to-eat potentially hazardous food should be consumed or discarded within 7 days of preparation when stored at 4°C or below. This limit accounts for the slow but continued bacterial growth at refrigerator temperatures.

Question 2

What is the proper way to store raw chicken in a refrigerator with other foods?

Accepted Answer

On the bottom shelf in a leak-proof container

Answer

Raw chicken must be stored on the bottom shelf in a leak-proof container to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods. This placement follows the storage hierarchy based on cooking temperatures.

Question 3

What should be done with canned food that has a bulging lid?

Accepted Answer

Discard it immediately without opening — it may contain Clostridium botulinum toxin

Answer

A bulging can indicates gas production from bacterial growth, possibly Clostridium botulinum. The can should never be opened as the toxin can be fatal. It must be discarded safely according to local waste disposal guidelines.

Question 4

How should dry goods like flour and sugar be stored after opening their original packaging?

Accepted Answer

Transferred to clean, labeled, food-grade containers with tight-fitting lids

Answer

Once opened, dry goods should be transferred to clean, food-grade containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent pest contamination, moisture absorption, and cross-contamination. Containers must be labeled with the product name.

Question 5

What is the 'best before' date on a food product?

Accepted Answer

An indication of when the product will be at its best quality when stored properly — it is not a safety date for most foods

Answer

The 'best before' date indicates quality, not safety, for most shelf-stable foods. However, for potentially hazardous foods in food service, products past their best before date should generally not be used.

Ontario Food Handler Practice Test

Ontario Food Handler Practice Test

Ontario Food Handler Certificate Food Storage and Labelling 2