Illinois Food Service License Practice Test

A food handler can cool a stock pot of clam chowder by placing it into a:

1. Sink of hot water

2. Sink of ice water

3. Refrigerator

4. Oven

The correct answer is: Sink of ice water

Placing a stock pot of clam chowder into a sink of ice water is an effective method for cooling food rapidly and safely. This technique is known as the ice bath method, which allows for efficient heat transfer away from the hot food. The ice water surrounds the pot and absorbs the heat, reducing the temperature of the clam chowder quickly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Using a sink of hot water would not effectively cool the chowder, as it would maintain or even raise the temperature of the food, prolonging the time it stays in the danger zone where bacteria can thrive. Similarly, placing the stock pot in a refrigerator may not cool the chowder adequately within the required time frame, potentially allowing for bacterial growth before it reaches a safe temperature. An oven would further heat the chowder rather than cool it, which is counterproductive to food safety. Therefore, the ice water method not only cools the chowder efficiently but also promotes safe food handling practices.