Food Handler Permits

7/29/2019 Food Handler Permits

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Food handler permits are required prior to employment at a retail food establishment. This has been

established by county order and city ordinances. The food handler permit received at the end of this

program will be valid anywhere in the State of Nevada for 2 years from the date the test is successfully

completed.

The health division in your area is responsible for routine inspections of Retail Food Establishments (Anoperation that stores, prepares packages, serves, vends, or otherwise provides food for human

consumption), and follows the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) which provides the rules for

which inspections are based upon.

Food employee: An individual working with unpackaged food, food equipment, food utensils or food

contact surfaces. Now that we know the definition of a food employee, find some or one of your job

duties below.

If you fall into one of these categories, a food handler permit MUST be obtained: cook, chef,

dishwasher, bartender, server, ice handler, butcher, baker, bus person, delivery driver, concession

worker, day care worker, nursing home worker, food sampling worker, etc.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 76 million Americans per year

become ill from food related illnesses. Of these cases, 325 thousand are hospitalized and 5 thousand

people die each year from unsafe food. What we are talking about is foodborne illness (otherwise

known as food poisoning).

Before we begin learning about what foodborne illness is, first let’s define what a food is. According to

the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER), a food is defined as: A raw, cooked, or processed edible

substance, ice, beverage or ingredient used or intended for use or for sale in whole or in part for human

consumption, or chewing gum.

A foodborne illness is an illness caused by food that contains harmful germs (or microorganisms). These

germs are already in the food when it is received and if not handled properly, people can get sick. Most

foodborne illnesses are either food poisonings or food infections.

When people talk about foodborne illness, they often call it food poisoning. Chemicals, Bacteria and

certain foods (poisonous mushrooms, subtropical and tropical marine finfish-Scrombrotoxin and

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning) can cause food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning are usually noticed

within hours after eating, and often include vomiting.

The most common foodborne illnesses, however, are not caused by food poisoning. They are foodborne

infections caused by germs (bacteria, viruses, or parasites) that grow in food or inside of our bodies.

Symptoms of foodborne infections include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, headache, and stomach aches.

Symptoms may be noticed from several hours to several weeks after eating the food.



NOTE: A foodborne disease outbreak is defined as the occurrence of two or more cases of a similar

illness resulting from the ingestion of a common food.

Remember, foodborne illnesses don't just happen at restaurants. Everyone that handles food can

spread foodborne illness... even in the home.

Food handled unsafely can cause even the healthiest person to become ill. However, certain people may

become sick more often and have more serious illnesses. This group of people is called a Highly

Susceptible Population. They include: Individuals younger than 9 years old, older than 65 years,

pregnant or Immune-compromised (due to AIDS, diabetes, certain medications, cancer, etc.).

Because of Highly Susceptible Populations, facilities like hospitals, child care centers, preschools, nursing

homes and adult care homes that provide food and services shall provide additional safe guards. Also,

certain foods such as undercooked meat and eggs, raw oysters, sprouts and unpasteurized milk or juices

must be avoided since they are more likely to cause foodborne illness to this group. Requirements will

be highlighted throughout the course.

Check with the Certified Food Manager on duty as to whether you fall into this category or not.

Ok, we now know that germs cause almost all foodborne illnesses, so let’s learn what you can do to help

keep these germs from causing illnesses through food. Because people cannot usually smell, see or taste

germs in food, it is important to practice food safety—even when the food looks fine.

The next sections will go over 3 very important concepts:

1. Personal Hygiene

2. Temperature Control

3. Cross Contamination

Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene begins at home. Each day before coming into work you should bathe and wear a clean

uniform/clothes. Food workers with good personal hygiene help keep germs from getting into food.

Remember-just because you look and feel healthy, youmay still accidentally spread harmful germs.

Food worker hygiene INCLUDES:

Do NOT work if you are sick

Washing hands properly and often

Using clean single-use gloves and utensils when handling ready to eat foods

Practice proper bare hand contact procedures



Do NOT wear arm jewelry (watch, bracelet, rubber band) and rings with gemstones. While

preparing food, food employees may not wear jewelry including medical information jewelry or

religious bracelets on their arms and hands. A plain style band ring is acceptable. Gloves may not

be used to cover jewelry.

Practice proper fingernail maintenance. Food employees shall keep their fingernails trimmed,filed and maintained so the edges and surfaces are cleanable and not rough. Acrylic nails must

be covered by single-use gloves at all times (no polish on nails).

Come to work bathed and wear clean clothes. Food employees shall wear clean outer clothing

to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use

articles.

Employees shall eat, drink and or use tobacco only in designated areas where the contamination

of exposed food or equipment is prevented. Drinks must have a lid and straw to protect the

hands from contamination, as well as spills on any exposed food or food contact surfaces. Store

your drink away from food and food items.

Hair restraints (hats, nets, visors etc) must be worn to keep hair from contacting any exposed

foods or equipment. This does not apply to food employees such as counter staff who serve only

beverages or packaged food or to hostesses or wait staff if they present a minimal risk of

contaminating food, equipment, utensils and linens.

Personal items including medicine, coats and purses must be stored away from food, dishes and

linens. Have a designated area for these items. If medicine must be refrigerated, keep in a spill

proof container.

Food employees may not care for or handle animals that may be present in food

establishments: patrol dogs, service animals, or other allowable pets.

NOTE: Employees with assistance animals and employees that care for fish in aquariums or

display tanks (mulluscan shellfish and crustaceans) are allowed to handle/care for them if they

wash their hands accordingly.

All the above items are personal habits that can have an effect on food safety. Be mindful of appearance

and of where your personal items are being placed.

A healthy food worker is the first step in preventing foodborne illness (FBI). If you feel sick, you shouldnot work with food because the germs making you sick can be easily spread to food and other people.

Food workers may not work at a food establishment if they currently exhibit symptoms or have been

diagnosed with any of the following:

Diagnosis of Norovirus, Hepatitus A virus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella spp, or Shigatoxin-producing

E. coli



Diarrhea, jaundice or vomiting

Sore throat with fever

Infected uncovered wound or lesions containing pus (unless an impermeable cover is placed

over wound)

Persistent sneezing, coughing or a runny nose that causes discharges from the eyes, nose or

mouth

If a food worker has been diagnosed with one of the following, a doctors note will be necessary to

return to work. These include: Norovirus, Hepatitus A virus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella spp. or

Shigatoxin-producing E. coli.

Handwashing... Just how important is it?

Well just to give you an example: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 100,000

Americans die annually from diseases that could have easily been prevented by proper handwashing.

WOW!!!

Clean hands are the MOST important food safety tool you have. However, just because they look clean

does not mean that germs are not on them. Washing your hands properly and often will help keep

germs off/out of your body and out of the food you are preparing.

When to wash hands:

Food workers must wash their hands and exposed areas of the arm BEFORE beginning food preparation

as well as, any other time hands may become contaminated. For example:

After touching other areas of the body

After using the toilet (remember to remove apron)

After handling or caring for service animals or aquatic animals

After coughing, sneezing or blowing the nose

After handling raw meat, fish or poultry

After handling garbage or dirty dishes

After handling or using chemicals

After eating, drinking or using tobacco products (remember to remove apron before engaging in

these activities)

When switching between working with raw food and working with ready to eat foods



Before putting single-use gloves on

Any activity with the potential to contaminate your hands

Where to wash hands:

It may sound silly but do you know where you are supposed to wash your hands? The rules state that

food workers must clean their hands in a handwashing only sink or an approved handwashing facility.

You may NOTclean your hands in a sink used for food preparation or warewashing: this means 3-

compartment and prep sinks. Other areas to avoid are in a service sink or a curbed cleaning facility used

for the disposal of mop water or other liquid waste.

Handwashing... Just how important is it?

Well just to give you an example: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 100,000

Americans die annually from diseases that could have easily been prevented by proper handwashing.

WOW!!!

Clean hands are the MOST important food safety tool you have. However, just because they look clean

does not mean that germs are not on them. Washing your hands properly and often will help keep

germs off/out of your body and out of the food you are preparing.

When to wash hands:

Food workers must wash their hands and exposed areas of the arm BEFORE beginning food preparation

as well as, any other time hands may become contaminated. For example:

After touching other areas of the body

After using the toilet (remember to remove apron)

After handling or caring for service animals or aquatic animals

After coughing, sneezing or blowing the nose

After handling raw meat, fish or poultry

After handling garbage or dirty dishes

After handling or using chemicals

After eating, drinking or using tobacco products (remember to remove apron before engaging in

these activities)

When switching between working with raw food and working with ready to eat foods

Before putting single-use gloves on



Any activity with the potential to contaminate your hands

Where to wash hands:

It may sound silly but do you know where you are supposed to wash your hands? The rules state that

food workers must clean their hands in a handwashing only sink or an approved handwashing facility.

You may NOTclean your hands in a sink used for food preparation or warewashing: this means 3-

compartment and prep sinks. Other areas to avoid are in a service sink or a curbed cleaning facility used

for the disposal of mop water or other liquid waste.

How to wash hands:

Now that we know when and where to wash our hands, lets talk about how to wash our hands.Handwashing seems simple in itself, but it is the entire process that helps us get rid of those germs that

are hiding on our hands. Before you get started, make sure the sink is stocked with paper towels or hot

air dryer, soap, hot and cold water (other items may include alcohol based hand sanitizer and/or nail

brush). From start to finish, the entire process must be at least 20 seconds. Let's get started:

1. Get your hands wet so the soap will work. (3 seconds)

2. Apply soap and scrub. Make sure to focus on areas under the fingernail, in-between fingers,

palms, base and top of hand and any exposed area of the arm. Time yourself or sing until you

get used to the time.(10-15 seconds)

3. Rinse your hands to send the soap and germs down the drain. (7 seconds)

4. Dry your hands completely using a paper towel (or hot air dryer) then turn off faucet with paper

towel.



5. If so desired, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer may be applied. However, please keep in mind

that hand sanitizers work best on clean hands. So use the hand sanitizer after properly washing

your hands, but notinstead of washing your hands.

EMPLOYEES MUST WASH HANDS BEFORE RETURNING TO WORK

1. Wet hands with running water, (at least 1000F) 2. Apply soap



3. Vigorously scrub lathered fingers, fingertips,

and between fingers

And scrub hands & arms for at least 10-15 seconds

4. Rinse under clean running water 5. Dry clean hands/arms

Are we ready to begin handling food?

Not just yet. We are now at an important fork in the road. We must decide on one of two items. Either

we use our bare hands to touch ready to eat foods or we use single-use gloves, suitable

utensils/dispensing equipment or deli papers. Before we go through the process, let’s define what

a ready to eat food (RTE) is.

Ready-to-eat food (RTE) items are foods that are served without additional washing or cooking to

remove germs. For example:

Washed produce and/or vegetables that are eaten raw: sliced fruit, garnish, salad

Bakery or bread items: cakes, pies, fillings or icing, tortilla chips

Foods that have already been cooked: pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos

Foods that will not be cooked: Sandwiches, sushi, deli salads

Okay, let’s get started. First, look at the population you are serving. Are they considered a Highly

Susceptible Population? If they are younger than 9 years and older than 65, pregnant, or Immuno-compromised then you areNOT allowed to handle ready to eat foods with your bare hands. Instead you

may wear single-use gloves, use tongs, scoops or other suitable utensils/dispensing equipment or deli

papers. If single-use gloves are being used, follow these rules:

1. Wash hands before putting on gloves

2. Change gloves that get ripped



3. Change gloves that may have become contaminated

4. Never Wash or Reuse gloves

5. Change gloves between working with raw and ready to eat foods

6. Throw gloves away after each use

7. Wash hands after taking gloves off

It is important to remember that gloves are used to protect food from germs, not to protect your

hands from the food. Gloves must be changed often to keep food safe!

Note: If a food worker has a sore, bandaged cut, and/or scrapes on the hands, gloves must be worn to

protect the food!

Alright, if you answered NO to the question in the previous section and wish to touch ready to eat foods

with your bare hands, the following rules must be met to prevent contamination from hands:

1. Food workers acknowledge receiving training on:

Proper handwashing

When to wash

Where to wash

Proper fingernail maintenance

Risks of bare hand contact

Good hygienic practices

Employee health policies

Jewelry prohibition



How to comply: Signed statements must be stored at the Food Establishment. Written documentation

has to be in place and filed on-site addressing the above particular points.

2. Food workers use 2 or more control measures (an additional barrier to handwashing):

Double handwashing

Nail brushing

Hand antiseptic after washing

Incentive programs

Other methods approved by the Health Department

How to comply: Written plan kept at the food establishment.

3. Documentation of Corrective Actions:

If a food handler is found in violation of the written guidelines for handwashing, then

corrective action must be taken and documented.

How to comply: Written records of who, what, when, where, how corrections were made if above

procedures are not followed.

DOUBLE HANDWASH

Single Handwash... steps 1-4



1. Wet hands with running water, at

least 100oF

2. Apply soap

3. Vigorously scrub lathered fingers,

fingertips, between fingers

And scrub hands & arms for at least 10-

15 seconds

4. Rinse under clean running water

Repeat steps 1-4 for Double Handwashing and complete with step 5



Step 5. Dry cleaned hands and arms

Cross contamination happens when bacteria from raw foods get onto other foods. Raw meats are the

main source of cross contamination. For example, when blood or juice from raw chicken or other meat

gets onto a counter, cutting board, utensils, or hands, bacteria can spread to other foods. There are 3

types of cross contamination: people-to-food, food-to-food, and equipment to food.

To help prevent cross contamination follow these tips:

Wash hands after handling raw meat.

Wash and sanitize all food-contact surfaces that have touched raw meats.

Prepare raw meat in an area away from other foods or at a different time.

Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and vegetables.

Store raw meat below other foods in the refrigerator and freezer.

Store meat with a higher cooking temperature (chicken 165oF) below meat with a lower cooking

temperature (fish 145oF).

Dispose of ice and water used as an exterior coolant for food such as melons or fish, or

packaged foods such as canned beverages-Ice may NOT be used as FOOD in these cases.

Use clean equipment, utensils and linens.

Keep scoop handles above the food item in which it is stored in or in running water (dipperwell).

Keep ice scoop handle above level of ice or in an approved storage device.

Throw away any food that has fallen on the floor.



Store food at least 6 inches off the floor and in a clean, dry location where it is not exposed to

splash, dust, or other contamination.

When in doubt, THROW IT OUT.

Cleaning and Sanitizing done properly can also help reduce the risk of cross contamination, but are they

the same? The answer is NO. Cleaning uses soap and water to remove dirt and food from surfaces. You

can either clean in place or in the dishwashing area. (If cleaning fixed equipment, remember to unplug it

from the electrical outlet).Sanitizing uses chemicals or heat to reduce germs on surfaces to safe levels.

As a food handler/worker it is important to remember that all food-contact surfaces must be washed,

rinsed and sanitized after each use to remove the germs that can cause the public or employees to get

sick.

Remember that even though surfaces look clean, they still may have germs you cannot see. Sanitizing

reduces these germs to safer levels.

We are now going to explore cleaning and sanitizing further-starting with sanitizers. Sanitizers are

chemicals used to kill germs. They must be mixed according to the manufacturer labeling. Soap,

degreaser or other chemicals should NOT be added to the sanitizer. After mixing the sanitizer, use the

test strips to make sure it is not too strong or too weak.

The most common form of sanitizer used in food establishments is a chlorine bleach solution. It can be

made by mixing 1 capful of unscented bleach with 1 gallon of COOL water. Another form of sanitizer is

called Quaternary Ammonia Compound or QAC. This sanitizer will use different test strips than the

chlorine bleach so mix accordingly. Also, because chlorine bleach and QAC are different compounds the

concentrations (measured in parts per million) may be different. In the following slides, we will discuss

wiping cloths, dishwashing by hand and placing dishes in a dishwasher. Each will have different levels, so

pay close attention to the duties you may have in this area.

Wiping cloths can be used to sanitize work surfaces that have been cleaned and rinsed. Remember, if

cloths are to be used wet, then they must be stored in solution and not allowed to dry out in between

uses. Otherwise if in a labeled spray bottle, single-use paper towels may be used. Here are some tips for

using wiping cloths:

Change sanitizer often because grease, dirt and food debris make the sanitizer less effective.

Store wiping cloths in clean sanitizer.

Use different cloths for food and non-food contact surfaces.

Clean and rinse wiping cloths before putting them back into the sanitizer.

Use test strips to check the sanitizer strength. Chlorine Bleach strength should be 200ppm and

QAC strength should also be 200ppm (unless it is Oasis QAC then up to 400ppm is acceptable).



Store sanitizer below food, food equipment and utensils as this item is still TOXIC!

Again, all dishes must be washed, rinsed and sanitized between uses. When washing dishes by hand,

follow this procedure:

Clean and sanitize the sink-may need to pre-soak.

Scrape leftover food into the garbage

WASH dishes in hot, soapy water in the first sink. If the water gets too cool or soap suds have

diminished, start over.

RINSE dishes with clean, hot water in the second sink.

SANITIZE by soaking the dishes in the third sink filled with room temperature water and an

approved sanitizer. If using chlorine bleach, the strength should be 50-200ppm. If using QAC, thestrength should be 200ppm (unless Oasis 146 is used and then up to 400ppm).

AIR DRY all dishes and utensils. Do not use a towel to dry dishes.

DO NOT WASH YOUR HANDS OR DUMP MOP WATER IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK!

NOTE: The ONLY chemicals that may be stored above a 3-compartment sink are those that pertain to

the wash, rinse, and sanitize steps.

Even though all restaurants are required to have a 3-compartment sink, some food establishments may

use a mechanical dishwasher to wash, rinse and sanitize the dishes. The same steps as above should be

followed-scrape food debris into trash and then place dishes into machine. The type of mechanical

dishwasher used will determine the sanitizing method. Some machines will use chemicals to sanitize

dishes while others will use heat. The chemical used will be chlorine bleach and should sanitize dishes

between 50ppm and 200ppm. While machines that use heat must sanitize dishes at temperatures above

165oF (for a stationary rack, single temperature machines) and all other machines at 180

oF. Again

chemical test strips and heat strips should be used to verify the machines ability to properly sanitize.

NOTE: Food workers that use the dishwasher must be trained on how to make sure the machine is

washing and sanitizing properly. Temperature gauges and sanitizer levels must be monitored. A data

plate should be on this piece of equipment.

Other areas of the food establishment also need attention like the floors, walls and even the trash cans.

By keeping equipment and kitchens clean it will help reduce workplace accidents and the potential for

food contamination and possible infestations of pests.

The goal of food safety is to prevent the hazards that cause foodborne illness or injury. Foods must be

free from signs of filth, spoilage and other contamination. Most hazards found in food are the things you



cannot see, smell or taste. We are now going to look at three common hazards: Physical, Chemical and

Biological. Most foodborne illness is caused by the biological hazards or germs. Let’s begin exploring.

Physical Hazards:

Physical Hazards occur when non-food objects such as glass, hair, or pieces of broken equipment, find

their way into food as a result of faulty food handling, damaged equipment or by accident. To help

prevent physical contamination:

Wash fruits and vegetables carefully

Look closely at the foods you prepare

Keep the food preparation area free of things that can fall into the food.

Chemical Contamination:

Chemical contamination may be caused by chemicals added on purpose during the processing of food orby accident during any stage of food production. All medicines and chemicals including soaps, cleaners,

sanitizers and pesticides must be stored away from food, utensils, and food preparation areas.

If a chemical needs to be stored in the kitchen area, the chemical must be stored below food or food-

contact surfaces so that it does not drip or leak into food. If the chemical serves no purpose in the food

establishment, remove it from the premises.

Make sure all chemicals are stored in approved containers that have easy-to-read labels and easy-to-

follow directions.

Something important to remember is that not all containers are approved for food storage. Unapprovedcontainers include garbage bags, galvanized cans and containers once used for chemicals. Food may not

be stored in these containers because chemicals can get into the food.

Follow these tips to keep food safe from chemicals:

Only keep chemicals that are approved for use near food in the establishment.

Store all chemicals below or away from food and food contact surfaces.

Make sure all chemicals are properly labeled.

Use only approved food containers to store food.

Check equipment to ensure it is working properly.

While cleaning, keep food and food items protected.

Store chemicals away from single-use items (paper cups, straws, boats, trays).



Separate poisonous or toxic materials by spacing or portioning.

Let’s face it, we live in a world with lots of germs. While some germs are good for us, others can make us

very sick. This section of the course will focus on those germs that are harmful to us and that cause

foodborne illness. The germs we will discuss are: Parasites, Viruses, and Bacteria.

Parasites:

Parasites in food are usually tiny worms that live in fish, pork or meat. They can be killed if frozen for

specified times or cooked to the proper temperatures. Other parasites may be found in contaminated

water.

After you eat trichinella larvae, they mature into adult worms in your intestine. The adults then produce

larvae that migrate through various tissues, including muscle tissue, shown here by black arrow heads in

picture. The small picture shown is a trichinella worm.

To help keep foods safe from parasites:

Cook all pork, beef and fish to the proper temperatures.

Use fish that has been treated to kill parasites for raw dishes like sushi and also obtain products

from an approved supplier.

Use approved sources of water (Public water suppliers, TCEQ approved wells-NO private wells).

Freeze pork less than 6 inches thick for 20 days at 5oF to kill any worms.

Cook wild game meat thoroughly.

Curing (salting), drying, smoking, or microwaving meat does not consistently kill infective worms.

Viruses:

Although viruses are small, it only takes a few to make you sick! Also, unlike parasites, viruses are not

destroyed by freezing.

Unfortunately, at one time or another, we have all had a virus. Chicken pox, the common cold, and/or

influenza, to name a few. These viruses spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing.

Typically, the viruses that are spread through food usually come from the unclean hands of someone

preparing our food. Perhaps their hands were not washed or not washed well enough to remove germs-

especially from vomit and feces. It is important to wash your hands after using the bathroom or

vomiting (after cleaning up any of these as well) because the number of germs will double. This route is

called the fecal-oral route of transmission.



As gross as this might sound, certain viruses are spread this way. You might be familiar with Hepatitus-A

or even the Norovirus. To prevent these illnesses, we must be careful with our personal hygiene-

especially when working with any type of food.

Interesting information:

When a person sneezes, it comes out about 100 miles per hour. Think about the distance those

tiny droplets of liquid travel.

When a person is infected with Hepatitis-A, they may be sick 15-20 days without knowing it

because they show no symptoms. What is scary is that during that time period, they can spread

the disease. Think about how many people you come in contact with and how many people they

might have contact with. It can add up quickly!

About 66% of all foodborne illness in Texas is caused by the Norovirus. The amount needed to

make you sick is an amount that will fit on the tip of a pen. It causes vomiting and diarrhea.

Did you know that only 1% of all bacteria causes disease? That 1%, no matter how small, can cause a lot

of problems when working with food! Unlike viruses, bacteria can grow and multiply rapidly in food that

is improperly handled. Bacteria are found everywhere and can grow when food handlers are not careful

about time, temperature, and cleanliness.

The bacteria that cause foodborne illness come from sources like the soil, animals, raw meat, and

people. The bacteria we are most concerned with usually only multiplies in certain foods. These foods

are called potentially hazardous foods (PHF). PHF's require time and temperature control for safety to

limit pathogen growth or toxin production. In order to keep these foods safe, they must be at proper hotholding (135

oF or above) or cold holding temperatures (41

oF or below) to keep bacteria from growing.

Potentially Hazardous Foods Include:

Meat, fish, poultry, seafood, eggs

Dairy products

Cooked Starches:

Cooked rice, beans, pasta, potatoes

Fruits and Vegetables:

Cooked vegetables

Tofu

Sprouts (alfalfa or bean sprouts)



Cut melons

Garlic or herbs bottled in oil

To keep food safe from bacteria:

Keep potentially hazardous foods out of the temperature danger zone (41oF-135

oF).

Do NOT work with food when you are ill (diarrhea, vomiting or fever).

Wash your hands after using the restroom and again when re-entering the kitchen.

Use single-use gloves, suitable utensils and/or deli papers instead of bare hands when handling

ready to eat foods.

Wash, Rinse and Sanitize all equipment and food contact surfaces used for food preparation.

Wash your hands after handling raw foods and sanitize all surfaces.

To help keep potentially hazardous food safe, proper temperatures must be met and maintained. Most

bacteria do not grow in hot or cold temperatures. But they cannot just be at any temperature-cold foods

must be maintained at temperatures of 41oF or colder while hot foods must be maintained at

temperatures of 135oF or hotter. The range in between 41

oF-135

oF is the Temperature Danger Zone.

When potentially hazardous foods are left in the Danger Zone, bacteria will multiply and grow rapidly or

make poisons that can make people sick.

Remember - Time is Ticking. From the time you begin to prepare it, food may have gone through many

steps or trips through the danger zone. Think about it-food has been grown, shipped, purchased,

received, and stored all before preparation begins. Now add the fact that food workers may thaw, mix,

cook, cool, serve or reheat these foods and if not careful it can equal a recipe for disaster. The time food

spends in these steps adds up and helps bacteria grow to dangerous numbers. Make sure each step of

food preparation is done quickly and safely to keep it out of the danger zone.

Also, potentially hazardous food may be at room temperature for up to two hours while it is being

prepared. When preparing food, only take out a little at a time. Keep the rest of the food hot or cold

until time for it to be prepared. If food has been left at room temperature, or you are unsure how long

food has been left in the temperature danger zone, you should throw the food away. When in Doubt,

Throw it out!

Have you ever wondered how pigs in a blanket, kolaches, ham and cheese croissants and sausage

biscuits were able to be held in a display cabinet-without temperature control? The following is called

"Time as Public Health Control" and will explain how.



If time only, rather than time in conjunction with temperature, is used as the public health control for a

working supply of potentially hazardous food before cooking, or for ready-to-eat potentially hazardous

food that is displayed or held for service for immediate consumption:

i. The food shall be marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is four hours past the

point in time when the food is removed from temperature control;

ii. The food shall be cooked and served, served if ready-to-eat, or discarded , within 4 hours from

the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control;

iii. The food in unmarked containers or packages or marked to exceed a four hour limit shall be

discarded; and

iv. Written procedures shall be maintained in the food establishment and made available to the

regulatory authority upon request, that insure compliance with the above rules and for food

that is prepared, cooked, and refrigerated before time is used as public health control.

In order to maintain the temperatures of potentially hazardous foods, thermometers should be utilized.

Case thermometers must be placed inside all refrigerators, prep tables, and walk-in cooler units and

warmers to ensure foods are kept cold and/or hot. Place the thermometer at the top of the unit and

closest to the door. Also, keep the thermometer in an area that is easy to find.

RECOMMENDED

Safe Food Temperatures

Using a food thermometer is the ONLY reliable way to ensure food safety.

165oF... Poultry, ground poultry, stuffing with poultry, meat & fish, microwave cooking and

reheating, reheating leftovers.

155oF... Ground meat & fish, injected meat (i.e. tenderized)

145oF... Meat, fish & raw shell eggs

135oF... Hot holding of foods

41oF... Cold holding of foods

Meat = beef, pork & lamb

Poultry = chicken, turkey, duck & goose

These foods must be held at the appropriate temperature for a minimum of 15 seconds.

These are the minimum safe food temperatures required by the Texas Food Establishment Rules.

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/foodestablishments






As shown above, thermometers will play a vital role in checking food temperatures. The most common

types of food thermometers used are dial, digital, infrared, and thermocouples (probe type

thermometer).

Before we move any further, thermometers should be calibrated before their use. One way to check

thermometer accuracy is to place the thermometer in a cup of crushed ice and water (if dimple present,submerge above the mark). The mixture should register 32

oF. If the thermometer does not indicate this

temperature it should either be adjusted or replaced. Always check the manufacture label for proper

calibration procedures (check for calibration correction factors on manufacturing label).

Several types of thermometers may be used. The first type we will discuss is the metal stem or dial

thermometer. Dial thermometers work well for taking temperatures of thick foods. The stem must be

pushed several inches into the food and left for at least 20 seconds (above dimple on probe) and this is

the reason it should not be used to test thin foods like hamburger patties. These thermometers should

range between 0oF to 220oF and should be calibrated regular-especially when exposed to extreme

temperatures or when dropped.

Another type of thermometer that may be used is the digital thermometer. They too have a metal stem,

but have a digital readout versus a dial. Advantages of digital thermometers are they are easy to read

and are better for measuring thin foods (hamburger patties). They also can read food temperatures

quickly.

When checking the temperature of food with either of these thermometers, follow these simple, yet

important rules:

Make sure it is clean, sanitized and accurate

Insert into the thickest part of the food-usually the center (do not hit bones as a inaccurate

temperature will be given)

Wait several seconds before recording the temperature-numbers should have stopped

changing.

Clean the thermometer in between taking temperatures of raw and cooked foods!

Bacteria will grow and multiply quickly when foods are in the Temperature Danger Zone. As food

handlers, it is important to keep cold food in a refrigerator, on ice, or other approved methods in order

to help prevent bacteria from growing. If ice is used to keep foods cold, make sure the ice completely

surrounds the container and up to the top level of the food. Remember, this ice may not be used for

human consumption at this point. Maintain the temperature of cold foods at 41oF or less. This also

includes salads made with potentially hazardous foods at room temperature. These salads must be

cooled to 41oF or less within 4 hours of preparation. It is a good idea to make salads and sandwich fillers

with cold ingredients when possible.



When dealing with leftovers or cooking foods ahead of time, it is important to follow an approved

cooling method. This step is the most critical one because bacteria can grow quickly in cooling foods that

are going through the temperature danger zone. More importantly, certain bacteria can make poisons

that are not destroyed by reheating temperatures. The Texas Food Establishment Rules requires

cooked potentially hazardous foods be cooled within 2 hours or less from 135oF to 70oF and 4 hours or

less from 70oF to 41oF. Total time equals 6 hours.

The following methods are approved for cooling (Texas):

Reduce large/solid foods into smaller or thinner pieces (brisket, turkey)

Place food in 2 inch shallow pans and place into cold holding

Use rapid cooling equipment

Stirring the food in a container placed in an ice water bath

Using containers that help the heat transfer happen faster

Adding ice as an ingredient

Remember when cooling foods in cold holding equipment, containers should be arranged to provide

maximum heat transfer through the container walls, kept loosely covered or uncovered if protected

from overhead contamination to help speed the heat transfer from the surface of the food.

Cooling Method: Size Reduction

A large whole food like turkey or ham may be cut into slices to be cooled. Here are the steps:

Cut the cooked meat into pieces no more than 4 inches thick.

Spread the slices out on a tray so they are not touching each other.

Put the pans in the refrigerator on the top shelf where nothing can drip into them.

Let air move around the pans-do not stack or cover the pans.

Cover the pans after the food reaches 41oF.

Cooling Method: Shallow pan

Large containers of food should be divided into several shallow pans to cool. This method works well for

foods like refried beans, rice, potatoes, chili, soups, etc. Here are the steps for the shallow pan method:

Put hot food into shallow pans-2 inches deep or less.

Put the pans in the refrigerator on the top shelf where nothing can drip into them.

Again, let air move around the pans-do not stack or cover the pans.



Cover the pans after the food reaches 41oF.

Cooling Method: Time and Temperature Monitored

Foods may also be cooled in a two-step process as long as the temperature of the food is constantly

monitored and it meets certain temperature requirements.

Step 1: Foods must cool from 135oF to 70oF in 2 hours or less.

Step 2: Foods must finish cooling from 70oF to 41

oF in 4 hours. 6 hours total.

An example for this process is below:

1. Close the sink drain. Put hot container in the basin of sink.

2. Fill the sink with ice up to the level of food in container. Now add cold water to the ice.

3. To help food cool faster, stir the food often. Also, monitor temperature from 135oF to 70

oF in 2

hours or less.

4. As ice melts, add more to keep food cool.

5. Finish the last cooling step-70oF to 41

oF in 4 hours or less. Not to exceed 6 hours.

6. At 41oF, cover food and place in refrigerator.

Frozen foods must be thawed safely to keep bacteria from growing. The following methods are safe for

thawing foods:

In a refrigerator that maintains food temperature at 41oF or less leave in refrigerator until

completely thawed. This method is the safest and slowest. Make sure raw meat is stored on the

bottom shelf.

Completely submerged under cold running water. Water must be running at a speed which

causes loose food particles to float off. Water temperature should be 70oF or less. Once food is

thawed, cook or cold hold at 41oF or less.

As part of a cooking process or in the microwave. Most of these items will be small (burritos, TV

dinners, etc).

Food Allergies: Food allergies can be very serious and can cause sudden, life-threatening

reactions. Symptoms include tingling sensation, hives, swelling of the mouth and throat,

difficulty in breathing and loss of consciousness. Foods that can cause most allergies are: milk,

soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, nuts, fish and shellfish. If you have an allergy to any of these, even

the smallest amount can cause a reaction.



People that have these allergies MUST AVOID any source of the food which makes them sick-

even if it is listed as an ingredient or prepared in equipment that touched the particular food.

Food sources: All foods served to the public must come from approved sources. Food prepared

from home or any home canned food may not be served in the food establishment.

Shellfish: Clams, oysters, or mussels must have an identification tag attached to each container.

These tags must be collected and kept on site for 90 days after the shellfish have been sold.

Pest control: Rodents, cockroaches, and flies must be kept outside of the food establishment

because of their ability to spread germs. If pesticides are necessary, they should be applied by a

licensed pest control applicator. All foods and food related items must be protected during

applications of pesticides. To help keep pests out of the food establishments:

1. Keep doors closed or screened

2. Cover holes in walls and seal all cracks

3. Cover garbage cans, keep lids on exterior dumpsters closed

4. Throw away all cardboard boxes

5. Keep food covered and clean-up spills quickly

6. Monitor doors for any outer openings (maintain door sweeps)

Plumbing: Contact city code enforcement in regards to plumbing requirements. The TFER

requires:

1. Indirect connections (minimum 1 inch vertical air gap or air vent) at 3-compartment sinks, all

food preparation sinks, mechanical dishwashers, ice machines, floor drains in walk-in

refrigeration units, steam tables and salad bars. At these places, no direct connection to the

sewer shall exist.

2. A vacuum breaker or approved backflow prevention device shall be installed if a hose is

connected (this includes outside of the establishment).

3. A backflow prevention device must be in place at the soda fountain in order to prevent carbonic

acid from being back-siphoned into the public drinking water supply and the beverage itself.

EMERGENCIES: Stop serving food and IMMEDIATELY contact the Health Department if any of

the following occurs:

1. Fire, Flood or Sewage Back-up

2. No hot water or Electricity

3. Possible foodborne illness outbreak or chemical contamination



Please remember, if you have any questions in regards to safe food handling, check with the certified

food manager on duty.

Documents

Food Handler Permits