What is the maximum time allowed to cool a TCS food from 135 °F to 70 °F?

What is the maximum time allowed to cool a TCS food from 135 °F to 70 °F?

• A. 1 hour
• B. 2 hours
• C. 4 hours
• D. 3 hours

Answer: (B)

Cooling TCS foods quickly is essential to limit bacterial growth. The rule is to move the food from 135°F down to 70°F within two hours. Bacteria multiply most rapidly in the 41–135°F range, so getting to 70°F quickly helps keep safety risks down. After reaching 70°F, you have up to four more hours to cool to 41°F or lower, but the initial drop from 135°F to 70°F must occur within two hours. In practice, use shallow pans, an ice bath, or a blast chiller to meet this two-hour target.

Cooling TCS foods quickly is essential to limit bacterial growth. The rule is to move the food from 135°F down to 70°F within two hours. Bacteria multiply most rapidly in the 41–135°F range, so getting to 70°F quickly helps keep safety risks down. After reaching 70°F, you have up to four more hours to cool to 41°F or lower, but the initial drop from 135°F to 70°F must occur within two hours. In practice, use shallow pans, an ice bath, or a blast chiller to meet this two-hour target.