ServSafe Final Exam Questions and
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
What is the proper way to thaw frozen meat safely?
✔✔ In the refrigerator, under cold running water, or during cooking.
Which food is associated with Listeria monocytogenes infections?
✔✔ Soft cheeses, deli meats, and refrigerated ready-to-eat foods.
What is the proper temperature for holding hot foods safely?
✔✔ 135°F (57°C) or higher.
Which symptom requires excluding an employee from working with food?
✔✔ Vomiting, diarrhea, or jaundice.
What is the safe maximum time for TCS foods to remain in the danger zone?
✔✔ 4 hours.
1
,Which microorganism can grow at refrigeration temperatures and cause severe illness in
vulnerable populations?
✔✔ Listeria monocytogenes.
Which bacteria can produce a toxin that survives cooking and is associated with rice left at room
temperature?
✔✔ Bacillus cereus.
Which chemical hazard can contaminate food if stored improperly near chemicals?
✔✔ Cleaning agents, pesticides, or sanitizers.
Which practice prevents allergen cross-contact?
✔✔ Using separate utensils, equipment, and cleaning surfaces thoroughly.
What is the main goal of food safety practices in a restaurant?
✔✔ To prevent foodborne illness.
Which temperature range is considered the danger zone for bacterial growth in food?
2
,✔✔ 41°F to 135°F (5°C to 57°C).
What is the minimum internal temperature for cooking poultry to ensure safety?
✔✔ 165°F (74°C).
Which personal hygiene practice is most important for preventing food contamination?
✔✔ Proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
What is cross-contamination?
✔✔ The transfer of harmful microorganisms from one food or surface to another.
Which pathogen is commonly linked to ready-to-eat foods handled by infected employees?
✔✔ Norovirus.
What is the minimum internal temperature for reheating previously cooked TCS food for hot
holding?
✔✔ 165°F (74°C) for 15 seconds.
3
, Which foodborne pathogen is most dangerous for infants and can be found in honey?
✔✔ Clostridium botulinum spores.
Which pathogen is associated with raw or undercooked ground beef?
✔✔ Escherichia coli O157:H7.
Which foodborne virus can survive on surfaces for days and spread rapidly in foodservice
environments?
✔✔ Norovirus.
What is the proper temperature for cold holding TCS foods?
✔✔ 41°F (5°C) or lower.
Which step is essential before preparing ready-to-eat foods?
✔✔ Washing hands and maintaining proper hygiene.
Which bacteria can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome in children?
✔✔ Escherichia coli O157:H7.
4
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
What is the proper way to thaw frozen meat safely?
✔✔ In the refrigerator, under cold running water, or during cooking.
Which food is associated with Listeria monocytogenes infections?
✔✔ Soft cheeses, deli meats, and refrigerated ready-to-eat foods.
What is the proper temperature for holding hot foods safely?
✔✔ 135°F (57°C) or higher.
Which symptom requires excluding an employee from working with food?
✔✔ Vomiting, diarrhea, or jaundice.
What is the safe maximum time for TCS foods to remain in the danger zone?
✔✔ 4 hours.
1
,Which microorganism can grow at refrigeration temperatures and cause severe illness in
vulnerable populations?
✔✔ Listeria monocytogenes.
Which bacteria can produce a toxin that survives cooking and is associated with rice left at room
temperature?
✔✔ Bacillus cereus.
Which chemical hazard can contaminate food if stored improperly near chemicals?
✔✔ Cleaning agents, pesticides, or sanitizers.
Which practice prevents allergen cross-contact?
✔✔ Using separate utensils, equipment, and cleaning surfaces thoroughly.
What is the main goal of food safety practices in a restaurant?
✔✔ To prevent foodborne illness.
Which temperature range is considered the danger zone for bacterial growth in food?
2
,✔✔ 41°F to 135°F (5°C to 57°C).
What is the minimum internal temperature for cooking poultry to ensure safety?
✔✔ 165°F (74°C).
Which personal hygiene practice is most important for preventing food contamination?
✔✔ Proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
What is cross-contamination?
✔✔ The transfer of harmful microorganisms from one food or surface to another.
Which pathogen is commonly linked to ready-to-eat foods handled by infected employees?
✔✔ Norovirus.
What is the minimum internal temperature for reheating previously cooked TCS food for hot
holding?
✔✔ 165°F (74°C) for 15 seconds.
3
, Which foodborne pathogen is most dangerous for infants and can be found in honey?
✔✔ Clostridium botulinum spores.
Which pathogen is associated with raw or undercooked ground beef?
✔✔ Escherichia coli O157:H7.
Which foodborne virus can survive on surfaces for days and spread rapidly in foodservice
environments?
✔✔ Norovirus.
What is the proper temperature for cold holding TCS foods?
✔✔ 41°F (5°C) or lower.
Which step is essential before preparing ready-to-eat foods?
✔✔ Washing hands and maintaining proper hygiene.
Which bacteria can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome in children?
✔✔ Escherichia coli O157:H7.
4
