Hot holding — Food Safety Glossary

Keeping cooked hot food at or above 60 degrees C during display or service so bacteria cannot grow.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature is required for hot holding?

Hot potentially hazardous food on display or being held should be kept at or above 60 degrees C.

Can I use a bain-marie to heat cold food?

No. Hot holding equipment maintains temperature but does not reheat quickly. Reheat food to 60 degrees C in an oven, stove or microwave first, then place it in the bain-marie.

How do I know the food is hot enough?

Check the food with a probe thermometer, including cold spots and the centre, rather than relying on the appliance dial or how the food looks.

What should I do if hot food drops below 60 degrees C?

Take corrective action. If it dropped only recently, rapidly reheat to 60 degrees C. If it has been in the danger zone too long, apply the 2-hour / 4-hour rule and discard as needed.

How often should I check hot holding temperatures?

Check regularly through service and record the readings as a monitoring step. The exact frequency depends on the business and its food safety program.

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