Critical Zone

FOOD HOLDING AND SANITATION

Food flavor and aroma are usually so closely related that it is difficult, if not impossible, to separate them. There is also an important, inseparable relationship between cleanliness and food flavor. Cleanliness, top operating efficiency, and appearance of equipment contribute considerably to savory, appetizing foods.

Good equipment that is kept clean, works better and lasts longer.

Most food imparts its own particular aroma and many foods also absorb existing odors. Unfortunately, during this absorption there is no distinction between GOOD and BAD odors. The majority of objectionable flavors and odors troubling food service operations are caused by bacteria growth. Sourness, rancidity, mustiness, stale or other OFF flavors are usually the result of germ activity.

The easiest way to insure full, natural food flavor is through comprehensive cleanliness. This means good control of both visible soil (dirt) and invisible soil (germs). A thorough approach to sanitation will provide essential cleanliness. It will assure an attractive appearance of equipment, along with maximum efficiency and utility. More importantly, a good sanitation program provides one of the key elements in the prevention of food-borne illnesses.

A controlled holding environment for prepared foods is just one of the important factors involved in the prevention of food-borne illnesses. Temperature monitoring and control during receiving, storage, preparation, and the service of foods are of equal importance.

The most accurate method of measuring safe temperatures of both hot and cold foods is by internal product temperature. A quality thermometer is an effective tool for this purpose, and should be routinely used on all products that require holding at a specific temperature.

A comprehensive sanitation program should focus on the training of staff in basic sanitation procedures. This includes personal hygiene, proper handling of raw foods, cooking to a safe internal product temperature, and the routine monitoring of internal temperatures from receiving through service.

Most food-borne illnesses can be prevented through proper temperature control and a comprehensive program of sanitation. Both these factors are important to build quality service as the foundation of customer satisfaction. Safe food handling practices to prevent food-borne illness is of critical importance to the health and safety of your customers.

HACCP, an acronym for Hazard Analysis (at) Critical Control Points, is a quality control program of operating procedures to assure food integrity, quality, and safety. Taking steps necessary to augment food safety practices is both cost effective and relatively simple. While HACCP guidelines go far beyond the scope of this manual, additional information is available by contacting:

CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY AND APPLIED NUTRITION FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION 1-888-SAFEFOOD

INTERNAL FOOD PRODUCT TEMPERATURES

H OT FOOD S

DANGER ZONE	40° TO 140°F	(4° TO 60°C)
CRITICAL ZONE	70° TO 120°F	(21° TO 49°C)
SAFE ZONE	140° TO 165°F	(60° TO 74°C)
	COLD FOOD S
DANGER ZONE	ABOVE 40°F	(ABOVE 4°C)
SAFE ZONE	36° TO 40°F	(2° TO 4°C)
	FROZEN FOOD S
DANGER ZONE	ABOVE 32°F	(ABOVE 0°C)
CRITICAL ZONE	0° TO 32°F	(-18° TO 0°C)
SAFE ZONE	0°F or below	(-18°C or below)

cooking guidelines - deluxe control • 19

FOOD HOLDING AND SANITATION