Food must be cooled from 135 degrees F to what in 2 hours?

You're asking about food safety guidelines! Here's the breakdown:

* The Goal: To prevent harmful bacteria growth, food needs to be cooled to 41 degrees F (5 degrees C) or below within 2 hours.

* Why 2 Hours: This is the safe time limit to keep food in the "danger zone" (between 41°F and 135°F) where bacteria multiply rapidly.

* Cooling Techniques: To cool food quickly, you can use:

* Shallow containers: This allows for faster heat transfer.

* Ice water bath: Submerging containers in ice water significantly speeds up cooling.

* Refrigerator: Use the coldest setting and make sure there's enough room for air circulation.

Important Note: If food can't be cooled to 41 degrees F within 2 hours, it's best to discard it.