ServSafe Food Handler: Facilities and equipment Questions
A food handler uses the kitchen's sinks, faucets and lighting every shift, and should notice when something is wrong. This quiz covers the basics.
19 questions in this topic. The quiz draws 19 at a time. Free, with no sign-up.
Facilities and equipment practice quiz
- 19 questions · 30 minutes · pass mark 75%
- Answers and explanations are shown at the end, with every question to review.
Local requirements and delivery can differ, so check what your state or county asks for.
What a food handler must do
- Expect handwashing sink water of at least 85°F.
- Expect a self-closing faucet to run for at least 15 seconds.
- Expect at least 50 foot-candles of light where food is prepared.
- Tell your manager about anything that does not meet these numbers.
Source: FDA Food Code 2022, 5-202.12, 5-202.13, 6-303.11
5 sample facilities and equipment questions and answers
5 of our 19 questions, with the answer and why.
1. A thick probe cannot accurately measure the center temperature of a thin meat patty. What equipment should be available for that measurement?
Answer: A suitable small-diameter probe designed for thin food
- A) A suitable small-diameter probe designed for thin food (correct answer)
- B) Only an air thermometer mounted on the wall
- C) A large probe that mainly senses the air outside the patty
- D) Only a hot-holding cabinet's temperature display
Why: Thin foods need an accessible suitable small-diameter probe designed for the task. A cabinet display measures equipment conditions rather than the patty's internal temperature.
Source: FDA Food Code 2026, 4-302.12(B)
2. A prep area's refuse container repeatedly overflows before the scheduled collection. Which change directly addresses its insufficient capacity?
Answer: Provide enough container capacity for the refuse that accumulates
- A) Press food scraps above the rim until the next collection
- B) Leave the excess in open boxes beside the container
- C) Remove the lid so that a taller mound fits on top
- D) Provide enough container capacity for the refuse that accumulates (correct answer)
Why: The receptacles must have sufficient capacity to hold the accumulating refuse. Compressing an overflow does not supply sufficient container capacity.
Source: FDA Food Code 2022, 5-501.16(A)
3. After draining and cleaning a refuse unit, a worker prepares it to hold waste again. What should the worker do with its drain opening?
Answer: Replace the drain plug
- A) Replace the drain plug (correct answer)
- B) Leave the drain open to let future waste liquid escape
- C) Insert a piece of absorbent paper instead of the plug
- D) Wait until the next pickup before replacing the plug
Why: Refuse-unit drains must have their drain plugs in place. The drain must be plugged rather than used to release waste liquid during storage.
Source: FDA Food Code 2022, 5-501.114
4. Which claim about a Fahrenheit-only food thermometer conflicts with the model-code accuracy rule?
Answer: It may be inaccurate at cooking temperatures if it is accurate at one cold reference point
- A) It may be inaccurate at cooking temperatures if it is accurate at one cold reference point (correct answer)
- B) Its allowed error within the intended range is no more than two degrees Fahrenheit
- C) The accuracy limit applies to readings that are higher than the true temperature
- D) The accuracy limit also applies to readings that are lower than the true temperature
Why: Accuracy must hold throughout the intended range of use rather than only at one cold point. The alternative claim allowing no more than a two-degree Fahrenheit error throughout the intended range matches the rule.
Source: FDA Food Code 2022, 4-203.11(B)
5. Small metal slivers have been found in food after cans were opened with the kitchen can opener. What should happen before that opener is used again?
Answer: Sharpen or replace its cutting parts
- A) Sharpen or replace its cutting parts (correct answer)
- B) Rinse the blade with hot water only
- C) Open cans more slowly with the same blade
- D) Strain each can's contents after opening
Why: Can opener cutting parts must be kept sharp so they do not create metal fragments in food. A dull blade needs sharpening or replacing before more cans are opened.
Source: FDA Food Code 2022, 4-501.11(C)
Keep practicing
Sinks and plumbing are only one part of the job. Go back to the free food handlers practice test page for hygiene, temperature and cleaning quizzes.
Want a full 40-question paper? It is on the Food Handler Plan, $2.99 a month. compare the three monthly plans.
Studying for the other exam? Try the Manager facilities and equipment quiz.
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