Sandwich fillings should be kept at what maximum depth for rapid cooling?

To ensure food safety, it is vital that sandwich fillings are cooled rapidly to minimize the risk of bacterial growth. The correct maximum depth for sandwich fillings during cooling is indeed 2 inches. Keeping fillings at a shallow depth allows for a larger surface area relative to volume, promoting faster heat transfer and preventing food from remaining in the temperature danger zone for too long.

When food items are deeper than 2 inches, they take longer to cool because of increased thermal mass. This can result in the outer layers cooling quickly while the inner layers remain warm, allowing potentially harmful bacteria to multiply. Hence, a maximum depth of 2 inches is recommended for effective cooling.

As such, keeping sandwich fillings at 2 inches or less significantly enhances safety and ensures compliance with food safety guidelines.