What is the proper temperature for meat at delivery?

The correct temperature for meat at delivery is 41 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. This temperature is crucial for food safety because it helps to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that can thrive in higher temperatures. When meat is delivered, it should be stored at or below this temperature to ensure that it remains safe for consumption and to maintain its quality.

Maintaining a temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit or lower is especially important for perishable items like meat, as they are more susceptible to spoilage and contamination. This temperature range aligns with food safety guidelines provided by health authorities, which recommend that potentially hazardous foods be kept at safe temperatures during storage and transport to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Options that suggest temperatures below 41 degrees Fahrenheit—such as 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, or 35 degrees Fahrenheit or lower—while safe, are not the standard delivery requirement for meat. A temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower exceeds the recommended safe threshold and can allow for bacterial growth, thus posing a risk to food safety.

Ensuring meat is delivered and stored at the right temperature is a critical step in maintaining safe food handling practices in any food service operation, including those like Cracker Barrel.