BRRR! It's Cold! Coolers and Freezers are Supposed to Be Cold!

MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT TEMPERATURES OF 41 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT OR LESS

It's important to make sure coolers and freezers are storing food at the proper temperature. If food is stored in a warm cooler, it can grow bacteria and get someone sick!

Tips for keeping food at the proper temperature:

• Use cold-holding equipment that can keep foods at 41°F or lower.
• Measure food temperatures in the warmest part of the unit every two hours to ensure the temperature is below 41°F.
• Do not overfill salad bar, make tables, or refrigerator units.
• Use stainless steel containers instead of plastic.
• Use temperature logs to ensure temperatures get checked daily.

Keeping cold food at 41°F or less limits pathogenic microorganism growth or toxin formation.

Printable cold handling poster from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing

# # #