Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

When stacking food in a display case, which order is correct?

1. Ground pork on top of ground turkey

2. Ground turkey on top of ground chicken

3. Ground poultry on the bottom, other ground/minced items on top

4. All ground meats can be stacked together

The correct answer is: Ground poultry on the bottom, other ground/minced items on top

The correct order for stacking food in a display case prioritizes food safety and minimizes the risk of cross-contamination. Stacking ground poultry products, such as ground turkey and chicken, on the bottom is crucial because they can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella. By placing them at the bottom, any juices that may leak from these products will not contaminate other foods placed above. When other ground or minced items are placed on top, like ground beef or pork, it maintains a safer environment. These other types of ground meats, while they may also have bacteria, are generally considered to carry different risks than raw poultry. This stacking method is key in preventing cross-contact between different types of meat which could lead to foodborne illnesses. This technique also reflects a common practice in food service and storage, following guidelines that prioritize the safest handling and organization of food items to ensure customer safety. Stacking ground meats together without differentiating based on potential contamination risks could lead to unsafe conditions, making it essential to adhere to the guideline of placing ground poultry on the bottom for the best practices in food safety.