Which cooling stage allows for the greatest time frame within safe limits?

The safest cooling stage that allows for the greatest time frame within safety limits is the range from 70°F to 41°F. According to food safety guidelines, potentially hazardous foods should be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within two hours and then from 70°F to 41°F within an additional four hours. This two-stage cooling process ensures that foods pass through the temperature danger zone (between 41°F and 135°F), where bacteria can rapidly multiply.

In this case, the 70°F to 41°F stage is critical because it allows up to four hours for foods to cool down safely. This duration provides flexibility for food establishments to effectively manage their cooling processes without posing health risks to patrons.

Other temperature ranges provided in the question do not possess the same safe time frame. For example, cooling from 135°F to 70°F must occur in a maximum of two hours, which is a significantly shorter time frame. The ranges of 145°F to 60°F and 160°F to 50°F are not commonly used guidelines for cooling because they encompass temperatures inadequately supportive of safe cooling practices and may not be applicable to food safety standards as recognized in practice.

Overall, the correct range regarding both safety and