Which temperature guideline applies for foods cooked to 165 °F?

Cooking food to a temperature of 165 °F is crucial for ensuring food safety, particularly for certain types of food such as poultry and stuffed dishes, as this temperature effectively kills harmful bacteria that could cause foodborne illness. After cooking, the food's temperature should be carefully managed to prevent the growth of any remaining microorganisms.

The guideline pertaining to cooling indicates that once food has been cooked to the proper temperature, it is essential to cool it down to 70 °F within two hours. This rapid cooling helps to minimize the time that the food spends in the temperature "danger zone" (between 41 °F and 135 °F), where bacteria multiply most rapidly. Following this guideline is a critical food safety practice to prevent the risk of foodborne illness.

The other options do not align with the appropriate practices for handling food that has been cooked to this temperature. Holding food at 165 °F is not practical for extended periods, as continuous heating can compromise quality. Storing food in a freezer pertains to freezing temperatures, which is not relevant immediately after cooking. Finally, allowing food to be stored at room temperature fails to adhere to safety protocols, as this could invite bacterial growth post-cooking.