Most of us would agree our meals center around the protein on our plates. Because meal choices are often driven by the protein we want, it\u2019s easy to understand why this center of the plate superstar is so important. Equally important for anyone dealing with poultry, meat or fish is to know that these proteins require specific food-safety measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meat, fish and poultry need extra care because they contain protein, are moist and have a neutral or slightly acidic pH. These three factors can create the perfect environment for harmful microorganisms or toxins to rapidly reproduce at temperatures of 4\u00b0C to 60\u00b0C. So meat, fish and poultry, must be kept below 4\u00b0C or above 60\u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From delivery to holding and everything in between, here\u2019s how you can prevent food hazards when it comes to meat, fish and poultry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Delivery.<\/strong> It\u2019s important to check the temperature of any animal protein item at delivery. Most items should be below 4\u00b0C. Also, check for evidence of thawing and refreezing, as temporary increases in temperature can compromise the safety of the item. Ice crystals are a common indicator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Storage.<\/strong> Refrigerate items below 4\u00b0C and freeze them below -18\u00b0C. Place them in this order:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prep.<\/strong> Use separate cutting boards and knives when preparing meat, fish or poultry to avoid any cross-contamination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cooking.<\/strong> Before serving, check to make sure every piece of meat, fish or poultry has met the minimum internal cooking temp, leaving the meat thermometer in for the required time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Holding.<\/strong> Remember the danger zone of 4\u00b0C to 60\u00b0C we talked about earlier? Those are the temps you want to remember for holding food. Cold items should be kept at or below 4\u00b0C (40\u00b0F) and hot foods need to be kept at or above 60\u00b0C .<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact our Nutrition Resource Center by calling 1-866-814-1272 or emailing nutritionrc@gfs.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Learn what it takes to keep animal proteins out of the temperature danger zone. Most of us would agree our meals center around the protein on our plates. Because meal choices are often driven by the protein we want, it\u2019s easy to understand why this center of the plate superstar is so important. Equally important […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":4518,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[122,123,112,69,111,113],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25865","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-catering-small-business","category-hotels-hospitality","category-restaurant-bars","category-running-your-business","category-healthcare","category-university"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n
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