Is it permissible for food to be kept uncovered during the cooling step?

During the cooling step, it is crucial to prevent food from being exposed to contaminants that can compromise its safety. Keeping food uncovered can lead to contamination by airborne pathogens, dust, and other potential hazards found in the environment. Food must be cooled rapidly to a safe temperature to minimize the risk of bacterial growth, and covering it helps achieve both temperature control and protects it from contaminants.

The proper practice is to ensure food is adequately covered during this critical phase. This helps to maintain food safety and adheres to health guidelines that govern food handling and storage. Therefore, the assertion that it is permissible to keep food uncovered during cooling conflicts with established food safety protocols.