WAC 246-215-03510. Temperature and time control — Thawing (FDA Food Code 3-501.13)

Except as specified in subsection (4) of this section, time/temperature control for safety food must be thawed: (1) Under refrigeration that maintains the food temperature at 41°F (5°C) or less; or (2) Completely submerged under running water: (a) At a water temperature of 70°F (21°C) 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 41°F (5°C); or (d) For a period of time that does not allow thawed portions of raw animal food requiring cooking as specified under WAC 246-215-03400 (1) or (2) to be above 41°F (5°C) 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 41°F (5°C); (3) As part of a cooking process if the food that is frozen is: (a) Cooked as specified under WAC 246-215-03400 (1) or (2) or 246-215-03405 ; 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 customer's order; or (5) reduced oxygen packaged fish that bears a label indicating that it is to be kept frozen until time of use must be removed from the reduced oxygen environment: (a) Prior to thawing under refrigeration as specified in subsection (1) of this section; or (b) Prior to, or immediately upon completion of, thawing using procedures specified in subsection (2) of this section.