Illinois Food Service License Practice Test

Which food items can be displayed in a self-service area without packaging, guards, or display cases to protect from contamination?

1. Cooked chicken wings

2. Sandwiches

3. Nuts in a shell

4. Sushi rolls

The correct answer is: Nuts in a shell

Nuts in a shell can be displayed in a self-service area without packaging, guards, or display cases because their natural shell provides a protective barrier against contamination. The hard exterior of the shell helps to keep the edible part of the nut safe from environmental contaminants. In contrast, cooked chicken wings, sandwiches, and sushi rolls are prepared foods that are prone to contamination from airborne pathogens, handling, or contact with unclean surfaces. These items typically require some form of protection, such as packaging or display cases, to ensure food safety and prevent exposure to germs or contaminants during self-service. Therefore, only nuts in a shell can be safely presented in a self-service setting without these precautions.