Arkansas Long Term Care Administrator Practice Exam

At what temperature should frozen food be stored?

1. 32 degrees or higher

2. 0 degrees or lower

3. 25 degrees

4. -5 degrees

The correct answer is: 0 degrees or lower

Frozen food should be stored at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to ensure that it remains solidly frozen and free from bacterial growth. At this temperature, the quality and safety of the food are maintained. Freezing foods at or below this temperature halts the growth of spoilage organisms and bacteria, thereby preserving the food for an extended period. Options that suggest temperatures above 0 degrees are not appropriate for frozen food storage, as they can lead to partial thawing and compromise food integrity. For instance, storing food at 32 degrees would actually allow it to start melting, leading to a loss of texture and flavor, as well as an increased risk of bacterial activity. Other temperatures like 25 degrees or -5 degrees are not ideal for long-term storage since they either allow for possible spoilage at 25 degrees or may not adequately represent the typical guidelines set forth for freezing food products.