ServSafe Proper Food Storage 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to ServSafe, which food should be stored on the BOTTOM shelf of a walk-in refrigerator?
- Whole cuts of beef
- Ready-to-eat foods
- Raw seafood
- Whole and ground poultry (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Whole and ground poultry
Whole and ground poultry must be stored on the lowest shelf because it requires the highest internal cooking temperature (165°F), so any drips cannot contaminate foods with lower cooking temperatures.
Question 2: At what maximum temperature should a walk-in refrigerator be maintained for safe TCS food storage?
- 45°F (7°C)
- 41°F (5°C) (Correct answer)
- 38°F (3°C)
- 50°F (10°C)
Correct answer: 41°F (5°C)
TCS foods must be stored at 41°F (5°C) or below to prevent bacterial growth and keep food out of the temperature danger zone.
Question 3: What does the acronym FIFO stand for in food storage?
- First In, First Out (Correct answer)
- Fresh Items, Fresh Options
- Food Inventory, Food Output
- First Inspection, Final Output
Correct answer: First In, First Out
FIFO (First In, First Out) means older food items should be used before newer ones to minimize spoilage and ensure food safety.
Question 4: How far off the floor should food and food-contact equipment be stored in a food establishment?
- At least 4 inches (10 cm)
- At least 6 inches (15 cm) (Correct answer)
- At least 8 inches (20 cm)
- At least 12 inches (30 cm)
Correct answer: At least 6 inches (15 cm)
Food and equipment must be stored at least 6 inches (15 cm) off the floor to prevent contamination and allow thorough cleaning of the floor beneath.
Question 5: Which food item should be stored ABOVE raw chicken in a walk-in refrigerator?
- Raw ground beef
- Raw pork chops
- Raw salmon (Correct answer)
- Raw lamb chops
Correct answer: Raw salmon
Raw seafood is stored above raw poultry because seafood has a lower minimum cooking temperature (145°F) than poultry (165°F), reducing cross-contamination risk from drips.
Question 6: When food is removed from its original container and placed in a new container, what information must be included on the label?
- Only the date it was transferred
- Only the type of food
- The food name and the use-by or discard date (Correct answer)
- No label is needed if used within 24 hours
Correct answer: The food name and the use-by or discard date
Food removed from original containers must be labeled with both the food name and use-by or discard date to ensure proper tracking and prevent foodborne illness.
Question 7: How long can commercially prepared ready-to-eat TCS food be stored in a refrigerator held at 41°F (5°C) or below?
- 3 days
- 5 days
- 7 days (Correct answer)
- 10 days
Correct answer: 7 days
Ready-to-eat TCS food may be stored for a maximum of 7 days at 41°F (5°C) or below; after that it must be discarded.
ServSafe Proper Food Storage 1
According to ServSafe, which food should be stored on the BOTTOM shelf of a walk-in refrigerator?