Which action would increase the risk of food poisoning?

Which action would increase the risk of food poisoning?

• A. Washing hands before handling food
• B. Not thawing thoroughly
• C. Keeping fingernails short and clean
• D. Using blue waterproof dressings

Answer: (B)

Thawing food properly is essential to prevent pathogens from growing. If food isn’t thawed thoroughly, parts may stay frozen while other areas become hot enough to cook, creating cold spots inside the product. The interior can remain in the temperature danger zone long enough for bacteria to multiply to levels that can cause food poisoning, even if the outside is cooked later. Safe thawing methods keep the entire item at safe temperatures: in the refrigerator, in cold running water, or in a microwave with immediate cooking after thawing. Washing hands before handling food reduces contamination, keeping fingernails short and clean minimizes harboring of germs, and using appropriate dressings over wounds protects food from contamination. These practices are protective, not increasing risk.

Thawing food properly is essential to prevent pathogens from growing. If food isn’t thawed thoroughly, parts may stay frozen while other areas become hot enough to cook, creating cold spots inside the product. The interior can remain in the temperature danger zone long enough for bacteria to multiply to levels that can cause food poisoning, even if the outside is cooked later. Safe thawing methods keep the entire item at safe temperatures: in the refrigerator, in cold running water, or in a microwave with immediate cooking after thawing.

Washing hands before handling food reduces contamination, keeping fingernails short and clean minimizes harboring of germs, and using appropriate dressings over wounds protects food from contamination. These practices are protective, not increasing risk.