AAA Food Manager Certification Practice Test

At what internal temperature must tuna salad be held in a cooler?

1. 32 degrees F

2. 41 degrees F

3. 50 degrees F

4. 60 degrees F

The correct answer is: 41 degrees F

Tuna salad, like many other perishable food items, must be held at a safe internal temperature to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. The correct holding temperature for tuna salad in a cooler is 41 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is critical because it is below the danger zone, which is generally considered to be between 41 degrees F and 135 degrees F. Storing tuna salad at 41 degrees F or below helps ensure that it remains safe for consumption by minimizing the risk of bacterial growth. Keeping it at this temperature allows for a longer shelf life and reduces the chances of foodborne illnesses that could arise from improper temperature control. Other temperatures listed, such as 32 degrees F, are not ideal for storage as they could cause freezing or texture changes in the salad. Temperatures above 41 degrees F, like 50 degrees F and 60 degrees F, significantly increase the risk of bacterial growth, making the food unsafe to consume. Thus, maintaining the tuna salad at 41 degrees F is essential for food safety.