New York City Food Protection Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT an acceptable method for thawing frozen foods?

1. Refrigerating them

2. Placing under hot running water

3. Using a microwave oven

4. Cold running water

The correct answer is: Placing under hot running water

Thawing frozen foods safely is crucial to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. The acceptable methods for thawing include refrigerating foods, using a microwave oven, and placing them under cold running water. These methods help maintain safe temperatures to minimize microbial growth during the thawing process. Using hot running water for thawing is not acceptable because it can lead to the outer layers of the food reaching temperatures suitable for bacterial growth while the inner parts may still remain frozen. This uneven thawing can create a food safety hazard. In contrast, refrigerating allows food to thaw slowly and safely. The microwave oven can also be used for quick thawing, as long as the food is cooked immediately afterward. Similarly, cold running water helps in thawing without heating the food to unsafe temperatures.