Illinois Food Service License Practice Test

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Study for the Illinois Food Service License Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, get hints and explanations for each question. Start your journey towards success!

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What is the most important way to prevent a foodborne illness from bacteria?

Wash hands frequently
Use sanitizing chemicals
Control time and temperature
Practice good personal hygiene

The correct answer is: Control time and temperature

Controlling time and temperature is indeed a crucial aspect of preventing foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria. Bacteria thrive and multiply in specific temperature ranges, often referred to as the "danger zone" (typically between 41°F and 135°F). Keeping food out of this range by cooking it to safe temperatures and quickly cooling it down after cooking minimizes the risk of bacterial growth. This control limits the opportunity for bacteria to reach harmful levels, thus significantly reducing the chance of foodborne illnesses. While washing hands frequently, using sanitizing chemicals, and practicing good personal hygiene are all important measures in food safety, controlling time and temperature directly addresses the conditions that allow bacteria to multiply rapidly, which is foundational in food safety management.