Dietetic Technician Practice Test

As the evening supervisor in a nursing home kitchen, what rinse temperature in a dish machine would concern you?

1. Wash temperature of 140F

2. Rinse temperature of 165F

3. Dishes drying on racks

4. Prewash water temperature of 120F

The correct answer is: Rinse temperature of 165F

A rinse temperature of 165°F in a dish machine is concerning because it exceeds the minimum recommended temperature for sanitizing. Typically, the effective rinse temperature for food service equipment is around 180°F to ensure proper sanitation, with the actual rinse temperatures that can be acceptable depending on the specific equipment used. A temperature of 165°F may not adequately ensure the killing of pathogens that could remain on the dishes, thus posing a risk of contamination and foodborne illness. While a wash temperature of 140°F is generally accepted as adequate for cleaning (though it may not be effective for sanitizing), dishes drying on racks can indicate that the sanitation cycle was ineffective, leading to possible contamination if they aren't properly rinsed or sanitized. Prewashing at 120°F is also less effective, as it does not provide sufficient heat for bacteria reduction before the primary washing cycle. Therefore, it's essential to monitor and maintain appropriate rinse temperatures in order to ensure food safety standards are met.