Food Safety for Seniors: Cooling Hot Food

1. Food Safety for Seniors:Cooling Hot Food ___________ County Cooperative Extension Service Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

2. Why cool food quickly? • Bacteria grows quickly at warm temperatures (40oF to 140oF) • Some increase in number • Some produce a toxin • May cause illness if the food is eaten Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

3. The Danger Zone • 40oF to 140oF • Less than two hours • Cumulative Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

4. Cooling large amounts • Large amounts of food in big pots cool slowly when: • Pot is full • Food is thick • Lid is on tight Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

5. Option 1: divide food • Divide food into shallow, metal pans • Cover with plastic wrap • Refrigerate • Stir occasionally • Check temperature of food Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

6. Option 2: ice bath • Fill sink with cold water and ice • Set pot in ice water • Stir often until chilled • Check temperature • Cover, refrigerate Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

7. Summary • Large batches of hot food need to be chilled quickly. • Can be done two ways: • Divide food into shallow metal pans, cover, and refrigerate • Use an ice bath Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

8. Summary • Stirring helps speed cooling • Use a thermometer to check temperature Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

9. Stay healthy by cooling food quickly and safely Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service