What is the correct way to cool large quantities of food?

The correct approach to cooling large quantities of food is to divide the food into smaller containers and place them in the refrigerator. This method promotes faster and more efficient cooling by increasing the surface area of the food. When food is spread out in smaller portions, heat can escape more rapidly, which helps bring down the temperature quickly to safe levels, minimizing the risk of bacterial growth.

Using smaller containers allows for better airflow around the food, ensuring that it cools evenly. It is crucial to cool food from 135°F to 70°F within two hours, and then from 70°F to 41°F or lower within an additional four hours. This two-step cooling process helps maintain food safety and protects public health.

Other methods, such as placing food in the freezer immediately or allowing it to cool at room temperature, can be unsafe. Rapid cooling methods like an ice bath can be effective but may not be the most practical for large quantities, whereas the method of using smaller containers aligns well with food safety guidelines for cooling large amounts of food effectively.