Safe Handling of Take-Out Foods

 Safe handling of take-out foods is just as important as how the food is prepared. Safe handling of all types of foods is a part of the food handlers card El Paso TX content. Information provided is for El Paso residents.

Eat-in or take-out food must be handled properly at each stage of food preparation. Food preparation stages include selection of food items, storing, freezing, thawing, preparing, and cooking. When working with take-out foods, another dimension is added to the process. Keeping the food hot during the delivery process becomes necessary.

If delivery drivers are used by the establishment, temperature aids are needed. This can include special food liners as well as other means of keeping the food at the correct temperature until the product is delivered to the client. Catering services use special temperature storage units within their vehicles to achieve the same goal.

Cold foods may also be provided with take-out services. When delivering cold items, they should be delivered at the same temperature. Cold units may also be used as well as iced coolers. This will depend on the type of services provided by the business. Regardless of the method used, food handlers El Paso TX guidelines are followed within the city.

Cooks, chefs, kitchen workers, and drivers should be aware of and practice safe food handling guidelines. Even though drivers do not personally handle the food by hand, they should be trained to prevent foodborne illnesses.

What are some of the guidelines of take-out food services? Proper food handler procedures recommend a variety of rules including keeping hot foods hot (140 degrees or above), cold foods cold (40 degrees or below), and follow the two hour rule when catering foods. The two hour rule is where food is not kept after two hours at room temperature. The exception to this rule is if the temperature of the location is above 90 degrees, then the time frame is one hour.

Cold buffet foods can be kept cold by adding ice under the food item containers. Likewise, hot food items can be kept warm by adding trays to preheated food holders. Artificial means of heating can also be applied to keep foods at the correct temperatures.

Take-out foods should be handled with caution when making deliveries of food items. If catering is part of the food service business, additional guidelines should be observed.