M R 2 - 1 • M N - 3 6 2 4 6 ( R E V . 0 ) • I N S T A L L A T I O N / O P E R A T I O N / S E R V I C E M A N U A L •
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Food fl avor and aroma are usually so closely related
that it is diffi cult, if not impossible, to separate them.
There is also an important, inseparable relationship
between cleanliness and food fl avor. Cleanliness, top
operating effi ciency, and appearance of equipment
contribute considerably to savory, appetizing foods. Good
equipment that is kept clean, works bett er and lasts longer.
Most food imparts its own particular aroma and many
foods also absorb existing odors. Unfortunately, during
this absorption there is not distinction between GOOD
and BAD odors The majority of objectionable fl avors and
odors troubling food service operations are caused by
bacteria growth. Sourness, rancidity, mustiness, stale or
other OFF fl avors are usually the result of germ activity.
The easiest way to insure full, natural food fl avor is
through comprehensive cleanliness. This means good
control of both visible soil (dirt) and invisible soil
(germs). A through approach to sanitation will provide
essential cleanliness. It will assure an att ractive
appearance of equipment, along with maximum effi ciency
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 eff ective tool for
this purpose, and should be routinely used on all products
that require holding at a specifi c 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,
nd 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 eff ective 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)
S A N I T A T I O N