What is the danger zone temperature range for food?

The danger zone temperature range for food is defined as 41°F to 135°F. This range is critical in food safety as it represents the temperatures at which bacteria can grow rapidly. When food is held within this temperature range for too long, it can lead to foodborne illnesses as harmful pathogens may multiply to unsafe levels.

Understanding this range is essential for anyone involved in food handling, as it underscores the importance of maintaining proper food temperatures, whether during storage, cooking, or serving. Keeping food out of the danger zone—by storing perishables in a refrigerator below 41°F or cooking foods to temperatures above 135°F—helps to ensure food safety and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.