How to Use These Flashcards
- Tap the card to see the answer.
- If you got it wrong, tap ✗ to move to the next card.
- If you got it right, tap ✓ to move to the next card.
- When you finish, you can review again — this time you’ll only see the cards you missed.
How should ice scoops be stored?
Store ice scoops outside the ice machine in a clean container.
Never leave the scoop handle in the ice to prevent contamination.
What is a common physical contaminant in food caused by can openers?
Metal shavings from can openers are common physical contaminants in food.
Inspect cans and equipment regularly to prevent physical contamination.
What do infrared thermometers measure?
Infrared thermometers measure surface temperatures.
Hold them close to the surface and remove any barriers like plastic wrap.
How often should you calibrate thermometers?
Calibrate thermometers regularly and after mishandling.
Keep a calibration log to track accuracy over time.
What tool can be filled with ice to stir hot food?
An ice paddle can be filled with ice to stir hot food.
It helps cool food quickly and safely to prevent time-temperature abuse.
What is calibration?
Calibration is adjusting a thermometer to keep it accurate.
Thermometers should be calibrated regularly and after being dropped.
What type of thermometer can be a physical hazard?
A glass thermometer can be a physical hazard.
Use only glass thermometers enclosed in shatterproof casing.
What must dishwashers be able to measure?
Dishwashers must be able to measure water temperature, water pressure, and chemical concentration.
Keep logs of these readings to verify proper sanitization.
What is tabletop equipment?
Equipment four inches above the counter or sealed.
Keeps equipment stable and easy to clean around.
What temperatures can a bimetallic stemmed thermometer check?
A bimetallic stemmed thermometer can check temperatures from 0°F to 220°F.
This range covers most cooking and holding needs.
What is a PCO?
A PCO (Pest Control Operator) is a licensed pest manager.
Work with a PCO to prevent infestations.
What materials should be used for floors, walls, and ceilings?
Floors, walls, and ceilings should be made of smooth, durable, and easy-to-clean materials.
Nonporous materials prevent moisture absorption and mold growth.
What does a bimetallic stemmed thermometer measure?
A bimetallic stemmed thermometer measures temperatures from 0°F to 220°F.
It’s used for checking food during receiving and holding.
What are signs of a pest infestation?
Signs of a pest infestation include droppings, nests, gnaw marks, or live and dead pests.
Report any pest sightings immediately to a licensed pest control operator.
What does ventilation remove from the kitchen?
Ventilation removes heat, steam, smoke, fumes, and odors from the kitchen.
Clean hoods and filters regularly to prevent grease buildup and fire hazards.
What is the boiling-point calibration temperature?
The boiling-point calibration temperature is 212°F at sea level.
Adjust for altitude since boiling points drop at higher elevations.
What casing must glass thermometers have?
Glass thermometers must have a shatterproof casing.
This prevents glass from breaking into food and causing injury.
What should be installed on doors to keep pests out?
Install self-closing doors and air curtains on doors to keep pests out.
Keep exterior doors closed as much as possible.
How high must legs be for tabletop equipment?
Legs for tabletop equipment must be at least 4 inches high.
This makes it easier to clean under and around the equipment.
What should windows and vents have to block pests?
Windows and vents should have screens to block pests.
Screens should be tight-fitting and cleaned regularly to prevent pest entry.
What are the three basic rules of pest prevention?
The three basic rules of pest prevention are deny access, deny food and shelter, and work with a pest control operator (PCO).
Keep doors closed and store food in sealed containers to prevent pests.
What is backflow?
Backflow is the reverse flow of dirty water into clean water.
Prevent it with vacuum breakers or air gaps.
What does an infrared thermometer measure?
An infrared thermometer measures surface temperature.
It gives instant readings without touching the food.
What probe checks flat cooking equipment like griddles?
A surface probe checks flat cooking equipment like griddles.
It measures the temperature of flat surfaces for accuracy in cooking.
When should thermometers be calibrated?
Calibrate thermometers after being dropped, exposed to extreme temperatures, before deliveries, and before shifts.
Frequent calibration ensures accurate temperature readings for safety.
What is the only sure way to prevent backflow?
The only sure way to prevent backflow is to create an air gap.
The air gap should be at least twice the diameter of the water supply pipe.
Why must grease traps be cleaned regularly?
Grease traps must be cleaned regularly to prevent wastewater backups.
Schedule cleaning often to avoid odors and plumbing problems.
What are the two calibration methods?
The two calibration methods are the boiling-point and ice-point methods.
Always use potable water and a clean container for calibration.
Why must lighting levels be brighter in prep areas?
Lighting must be brighter in prep areas so staff can check food quality and cleanliness.
Dim lighting can hide contamination or damage to food and equipment.
What is a grease trap used for?
A grease trap is used to prevent grease buildup in pipes.
Clean it regularly to avoid clogs and unpleasant odors.
What must every handwashing station have?
Handwashing stations need hot and cold drinkable water, soap, a hand-drying method, a trash can, and signage.
Never wash hands in sinks used for food prep or dishwashing.
How should outside garbage containers be placed?
Place outside garbage containers on smooth, durable, nonabsorbent surfaces such as concrete.
This prevents leaks from soaking into the ground and attracting pests.
What thermometers measure temperatures digitally?
Thermocouples and thermistors measure temperatures digitally.
They respond quickly and can measure thin food accurately.
What can infrared thermometers NOT measure?
Infrared thermometers cannot measure air temperature or the internal temperature of food.
Use a probe thermometer to check internal temperatures accurately.
What is an air curtain used for?
An air curtain is used to keep pests out by blocking openings with air.
It helps maintain indoor air quality while deterring insects.
How high must legs be for floor-mounted equipment?
Legs for floor-mounted equipment must be at least 6 inches high.
This height allows cleaning under the equipment to prevent pests and dirt buildup.
What does the dimple on a thermometer stem show?
The dimple on a thermometer stem shows the end of the sensing area.
Insert the stem past the dimple to get an accurate reading.
What marking should be on thermometer scales?
Thermometer scales should have easy-to-read increments.
Clear markings help prevent temperature reading mistakes.
What standards must foodservice equipment meet?
Foodservice equipment must meet NSF/ANSI standards for safety and cleanability.
Certified equipment is easier to clean and helps prevent contamination.
What type of water must be used for food and food-contact surfaces?
Use potable (drinkable) water for food and food-contact surfaces.
Nonpotable water can only be used for nonfood purposes like landscaping.
Which probe measures cooler or oven air temperature?
An air probe measures cooler or oven air temperature.
Place it in the warmest part of the unit for accurate readings.
Which thermometer displays readings digitally?
Thermocouples and thermistors display readings digitally.
Digital displays reduce reading errors and are easy to use.
How do you calibrate with the ice-point method?
Calibrate with the ice-point method by placing the thermometer in ice water and adjusting it to 32°F.
Stir the ice water to ensure an even temperature during calibration.
What is the purpose of proper lighting in food prep areas?
Proper lighting in food prep areas allows staff to see food conditions and cleaning needs clearly.
Burned-out bulbs should be replaced promptly to maintain safety and visibility.
What is lighting intensity?
Lighting intensity means brightness for safe food prep.
Use shatter-resistant bulbs and maintain proper light levels.
How should outdoor garbage containers be kept?
Keep outdoor garbage containers covered with tight-fitting lids and drain plugs in place.
This prevents odors and attracts fewer pests.
What is the most important tool for monitoring temperature?
A thermometer is the most important tool for monitoring temperature.
Calibrate thermometers regularly to ensure accurate readings.
What is floor-mounted equipment?
Equipment mounted six inches off the floor or sealed.
Allows easy cleaning under equipment.
What is garbage storage?
Garbage storage keeps waste covered and pest-free.
Remove trash regularly to prevent odors and pests.
What is a cross-connection?
A cross-connection is a physical link between safe water and dirty water.
It can cause backflow and contaminate the water supply.
What is ventilation?
Ventilation removes heat, steam, and smoke from kitchens.
Clean hoods and filters regularly to prevent fire.
Who must handle toxic pest-control materials?
Toxic pest-control materials must be handled by a certified applicator.
Never allow food handlers to apply or store these chemicals.
What are the two methods to calibrate a thermometer?
The two methods to calibrate a thermometer are the ice-point method and the boiling-point method.
Always check calibration before using thermometers for food.
What is NSF?
NSF certifies equipment is designed for food safety.
Always buy NSF-certified equipment.
What should be done to keep facilities maintained?
Keep facilities maintained by repairing leaks, holes, and cracks, maintaining systems, and controlling pests.
Regular inspections help identify problems before they cause contamination.
What device prevents backsiphonage?
A vacuum breaker prevents backsiphonage.
It stops dirty water from flowing backward into the clean water supply.
What is an air gap?
An air gap prevents dirty water from mixing with clean water.
Maintain a visible gap between sink drains and plumbing.
What should staff do with spills and crumbs?
Staff should clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
This reduces pest attraction and prevents slips and falls.
What is backflow?
Backflow is the reverse flow of contaminants into drinkable water.
It can occur when water pressure drops in the potable water system.
Can infrared thermometers measure air or internal temps?
Infrared thermometers cannot measure air or internal temperatures.
They only measure surface temperatures of food or equipment.
What is a cross-connection?
A cross-connection links safe and unsafe water systems.
Can cause backflow contamination.
How accurate must food thermometers be?
Food thermometers must be accurate within ±2°F.
Calibration keeps thermometers reliable for food safety checks.
What should cover all lights in food prep areas?
All lights in food prep areas should have shatter-resistant bulbs or protective covers.
This prevents broken glass from contaminating food or surfaces.
