Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

At what maximum temperature should cold food be maintained on the tray line?

1. 30 degrees F

2. 35 degrees F

3. 41 degrees F

4. 45 degrees F

The correct answer is: 41 degrees F

Cold food should be maintained at a maximum temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit on the tray line to ensure food safety. This temperature is critical for preventing the growth of bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code recommends that cold food items be held at or below this temperature throughout the service period. Keeping cold foods at or below 41 degrees minimizes the risk of temperature abuse during transport and serving, contributing to the overall safety and quality of the food being served to residents. In a nursing home setting, where vulnerable populations depend on safe food handling practices, adhering to this standard is essential for protecting the health of residents. The other temperature options provided exceed the safety threshold established for cold food storage, increasing the risk of bacterial growth and potential foodborne illness. Therefore, 41 degrees Fahrenheit is the maximum safe temperature for maintaining cold food on the tray line.