Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

What does the acronym FOTTWA represent?

1. Food Only, Temperature, Time, Water, Acidity

2. Food, Oxygen, Temperature, Time, Water, Acidity

3. Food, Oxygen, Toxin, Time, Water, Acidity

4. Food Safety, Oxygen, Temperature, Time, Water, Acidity

The correct answer is: Food, Oxygen, Temperature, Time, Water, Acidity

The correct answer is based on the acronym FOTTWA, which encompasses critical components of food safety. FOTTWA stands for Food, Oxygen, Temperature, Time, Water, and Acidity. Understanding this acronym is essential for anyone in the food service environment, particularly in ensuring proper food handling and preventing foodborne illnesses. Each element in the acronym represents factors that contribute to the growth of microorganisms, which can lead to food spoilage and safety hazards: - **Food** refers to the nutrients that bacteria and other pathogens need to grow. - **Oxygen** indicates that some harmful microorganisms thrive in oxygen-rich environments, while others require anaerobic conditions. - **Temperature** is critical as bacteria are most active in certain temperature ranges (the danger zone, typically between 41°F and 135°F). - **Time** is important because bacteria can multiply rapidly given sufficient time in the danger zone. - **Water** highlights the need for moisture in food for microbial growth. - **Acidity** refers to the pH level; most harmful bacteria prefer a neutral pH, while certain levels of acidity can inhibit growth. In summary, each part of FOTTWA plays a vital role in food safety and understanding this concept helps dietary managers and food service