State Food Safety Practice Exam

Which menu item should NOT be included on a hospital dinner menu?

1. Grilled salmon

2. Chicken stir fry

3. Spaghetti and meatballs

4. Hamburgers (cooked to order)

The correct answer is: Hamburgers (cooked to order)

Including hamburgers cooked to order on a hospital dinner menu is not advisable due to food safety concerns, particularly the risks associated with undercooked ground beef. Ground beef needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to effectively kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella that can be present. When hamburgers are cooked to order, there is a risk that they might be served undercooked, leading to foodborne illnesses among patients, who may already be vulnerable due to health conditions. On the other hand, grilled salmon, chicken stir fry, and spaghetti and meatballs can be prepared and served in a manner that ensures they meet food safety standards, typically involving cooking to safe temperatures and practices that mitigate the risk of foodborne pathogens. Therefore, these options are more appropriate for a hospital setting where the health and safety of patients are the top priority.