| Nutrition Services Division Management Bulletin |
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| To: All Food Distribution Agencies |
Number: 00-408 |
| From: Commodity Distribution Unit, Food Distribution Program |
Date: July 2000 |
| Attention: Food Service Directors | |
| Subject: Clarification to Management Bulletin 00-404: Proper Storage Temperatures for United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Commodities |
|
This management bulletin clarifies previous information regarding the importance of proper storage temperatures for USDA commodities.
Refrigerated Storage
A back-up appliance thermometer should be kept in the refrigerated unit in case of a power outage. If a power outage occurs, any foods held at 41°F or higher for more than two hours should not be consumed.
Freezer Storage
A back-up appliance thermometer should also be kept in the freezer unit in case of a power outage. If there is a power outage, it is important to keep foods grouped together to retain the cold and to keep the door closed as much as possible. If the freezer has maintained a temperature of 0°F or below up to the time that the power returns, the food is safe. Again, foods held at 41°F or higher for more than two hours should not be consumed.
References
- Serving it Safe: A Manager's Tool United States Department of Agriculture, 2009 at http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/resources/serving_safe.html
- http://www.fsis.usda.gov/
- http://www.foodsafety.gov/
