What is the correct sequence of food temperature monitoring?

The correct sequence of food temperature monitoring is best captured by the choice that includes all critical steps from receiving food to serving it. Monitoring temperatures throughout the process—from when food arrives, through storage, preparation, cooking, holding, and eventually cooling or reheating—is essential for ensuring food safety.

This comprehensive approach addresses the multiple stages in food handling where temperature control is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Each stage has specific temperature requirements: food must be received at safe temperatures, stored properly to slow bacterial growth, adequately cooked to kill pathogens, kept at safe hot or cold holding temperatures, and properly cooled or reheated before serving.

By recognizing this extensive sequence, it's clear how neglecting any step could compromise food safety. The other provided choices do not encompass all critical stages or create gaps in monitoring, thereby failing to ensure comprehensive temperature control, which is paramount in food safety practices.