What are safe food handling temperatures?

Did you know that there is more to those hot chicken wings you drooled over last night, than just a secret recipe? The correct storage and cooking temperature ! Temperature might seem an understatement, but it plays an important role in determining the freshness and taste of the food and keep food safe .
The slightest of carelessness in temperature control can take a toll on health. When the food is not properly stored or cooked, it can lead to growth of bacteria and pathogens. This may cause food poisoning and other foodborne illness like dysentery.
Let's start with the food temperature that should be completely avoided. That isthe danger zone! The US FDA has defined the range between 40 F to 140 degree F as temperature danger zone . If you keep foodwhether cooked food or raw, hot foods or cold food, in this temperature range, beyond a certain time, it may become unfit for consumption. The bacteria can grow at a double rate in just 20 minutes when the food is stored in the temperature danger zone.
Remember, the room temperature also comes in the danger zone, thus the food must be avoided here.
So, next time make sure you not forget to keep your home food in the refrigerator. Preserving in a refrigerator would not stop the bacteria growth, but will at least slow down its speed. And that's the reason, experts recommend to avoid eating cooked food or fruits vegetables that are stored in the refrigerator for more that 3 to 4 days.
If planning to serve hot dinner to your guests, then make sure to keep food above 140 degree F. This process is called hot handling .