State Food Safety Practice Exam

What is an acceptable method for cooling a large pot of chicken noodle soup?

1. Use an ice paddle to stir the soup

2. Place the pot of soup in the freezer

3. Place the pot of soup in front of an open window

4. Cover the soup with a tight lid and refrigerate

The correct answer is: Use an ice paddle to stir the soup

Using an ice paddle to stir the soup is an effective cooling method because it helps to rapidly lower the temperature of the soup while simultaneously mixing it. Ice paddles are specifically designed for this purpose, with a hollow interior that can be filled with ice, allowing the cold surface to transfer heat away from the soup efficiently. This method promotes even cooling and minimizes the time the food spends in the temperature danger zone, which is critical in preventing bacterial growth. Utilizing other methods, such as placing the pot in the freezer, can lead to uneven cooling, potential freezer burn, or even risk of the food being unsafe if it sits too long at unsafe temperatures. Placing the pot in front of an open window might expose the soup to contaminants from the environment, which poses additional food safety risks. Covering the soup with a tight lid and refrigerating it can trap heat, causing the soup to cool too slowly, which also increases the risk of bacterial growth. Therefore, the ice paddle method is the most effective and safest choice for cooling a large pot of chicken noodle soup.