What should a food handler do with food after it is thawed in the microwave?

When food is thawed in a microwave, it is critical to cook it immediately after thawing. This is because microwaving can cause uneven thawing, resulting in some parts of the food potentially entering the temperature danger zone, where harmful bacteria can grow. Cooking the food right away ensures that any bacteria present are destroyed, making the food safe to eat.

Although refrigerating the food or using it later sounds convenient, these practices may not guarantee safety, as the food might not be at a safe temperature throughout. Serving the food immediately could also lead to potential health risks if the food is not cooked adequately first. Thus, using conventional cooking equipment after microwave thawing ensures thorough and safe cooking, eliminating any food safety risks.