Sanitation Certification Practice Test

What temperature must liquid milk be received at or below?

1. 40 F

2. 45 F

3. 50 F

4. 32 F

The correct answer is: 45 F

The correct temperature for receiving liquid milk is at or below 45°F. This guideline is crucial for maintaining the safety and quality of the milk. When milk is received above this temperature, it can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, which can compromise food safety and result in spoilage. Receiving milk at or below 45°F ensures that it remains within a safe temperature range where bacterial growth is minimized. In the context of food safety regulations, 45°F is established as the upper limit for receiving dairy products to maintain their freshness and prevent foodborne illnesses. Other temperatures, such as 40°F, 50°F, and 32°F, do not align with standard food safety practices for liquid milk. While 32°F is the freezing point of water, it's not practical for receiving milk, and accepting milk at temperatures above 45°F could endanger public health. Understanding this temperature guideline is vital for anyone working in food service or managing dairy products.