Hot food passes through the temperature danger zone (5°C - 63°C) as it cools, so we should reduce the temperature as quickly as possible. The best method is to cool food quickly in a blast chiller. This shortens the time that food spends at danger zone temperatures. If a blast chiller is not available, transfer the food to a clean, cold container or an ice bath and cover it before moving it the coolest part of a food area. Food should be kept above the floor during the cooling period.