3717-1-03.4(C) Food: limitation of growth of organisms of public health concern

Thawing - temperature and time control. Except as specified in paragraph (C)(4) of this rule, time/temperature controlled for safety food is to be thawed:

(1)

Under refrigeration that maintains the food temperature at forty-one degrees Fahrenheit (five degrees Celsius) or less; or

(2)

Completely submerged under running water:

(a)

At a water temperature of seventy degrees Fahrenheit (twenty-one degrees Celsius) or below;

(b)

With sufficient water velocity to agitate and float off loose particles in an overflow; and

(c)

For a period of time that does not allow thawed portions of ready-to-eat food to rise above forty-one degrees Fahrenheit (five degrees Celsius); or

(d)

For a period of time that does not allow thawed portions of a raw animal food subject to cooking requirements specified under paragraph (A)(1) or (A)(4) of rule 3717-1-03.3 of the Administrative Code to be above forty-one degrees Fahrenheit (five degrees Celsius), for more than four hours including:

(i)

The time the food is exposed to the running water and the time needed for preparation for cooking; or

(ii)

The time it takes under refrigeration to lower the food temperature to forty-one degrees Fahrenheit (five degrees Celsius).

(3)

As part of a cooking process if the food that is frozen is:

(a)

Cooked as specified under paragraph (A)(1) or (A)(4) of rule 3717-1-03.3 of the Administrative Code, paragraph (B) of rule 3717-1-03.3 of the Administrative Code, or paragraph (E) of rule 3717-1-03.3 of the Administrative Code; or

(b)

Thawed in a microwave oven and immediately transferred to conventional cooking equipment, with no interruption in the process; or

(4)

Using any procedure if a portion of frozen ready-to-eat food is thawed and prepared for immediate service in response to an individual consumer's order.

(5)

Reduced oxygen packaged fish that bears a label indicating that it is to be kept frozen until time of use is to be removed from the reduced oxygen environment:

(a)

Prior to its thawing under refrigeration as specified in paragraph (C)(1) of this rule; or

(b)

Prior to, or immediately upon completion of its thawing, using procedures specified in paragraph (C)(2) of this rule.