What is the temperature range of the danger zone?

What is the temperature range of the danger zone?

• A. 0-32 degrees Fahrenheit
• B. 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit
• C. 140-212 degrees Fahrenheit
• D. 32-100 degrees Fahrenheit

Answer: (B)

In kitchen safety, the danger zone is the temperature range where bacteria multiply most rapidly. That range is between 40°F and 140°F. Food kept within this window can become unsafe quickly, so cold foods should be kept at 40°F or below and hot foods should stay at 140°F or above. When cooling leftovers, get them below 40°F within about two hours; when reheating, heat to at least 165°F to kill pathogens. The other options don’t fit because freezing (0–32°F) slows or stops growth, temperatures above 140°F reduce or kill bacteria, and 32–100°F doesn’t capture the full, defined danger zone.

In kitchen safety, the danger zone is the temperature range where bacteria multiply most rapidly. That range is between 40°F and 140°F. Food kept within this window can become unsafe quickly, so cold foods should be kept at 40°F or below and hot foods should stay at 140°F or above. When cooling leftovers, get them below 40°F within about two hours; when reheating, heat to at least 165°F to kill pathogens. The other options don’t fit because freezing (0–32°F) slows or stops growth, temperatures above 140°F reduce or kill bacteria, and 32–100°F doesn’t capture the full, defined danger zone.