Illinois Food Service License Practice Test

What must a food handler do immediately after thawing food in the microwave oven?

1. Let it cool for 10 minutes

2. Put it back in the freezer

3. Cook it

4. Refrigerate it for later

The correct answer is: Cook it

After thawing food in the microwave oven, it is critical that the food handler cooks the food immediately. This is essential because microwaving can create uneven temperatures, leaving parts of the food in the "danger zone" (between 41°F and 135°F) where bacteria can multiply rapidly. Cooking the food right after thawing ensures that any harmful bacteria are effectively destroyed, making the food safe to eat. The other choices do not address food safety adequately. Allowing food to cool for 10 minutes does not guarantee safety, as the food remains at potentially risky temperatures. Putting food back in the freezer after thawing is also inappropriate because it can lead to the growth of bacteria which thrive when food is partially thawed. Refrigerating it for later use could result in the food being held at unsafe temperatures, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Overall, cooking food immediately after microwaving is the best practice to ensure food safety.