What Is Temperature Danger Zone?

The temperature range of 41°F to 135°F in which pathogens grow most rapidly in food. Keeping TCS food out of this range is the core goal of most time-and-temperature controls.

Temperature Danger Zone across 3 exams

Temperature Danger Zone appears on the following exams. Each defines it in the context candidates are tested on:

ServSafe Manager
The temperature range of 41°F to 135°F in which pathogens grow most rapidly in food. Keeping TCS food out of this range is the core goal of most time-and-temperature controls.
ServSafe Food Handler
The temperature range of 41°F to 135°F, where pathogens grow most rapidly. TCS food left in this range for more than four hours total must be thrown out.
ServSafe Alcohol
The temperature range in which pathogens grow most rapidly, from 41°F to 135°F. TCS food must not remain in this range for more than four hours in total or it must be discarded.