At what temperature should hot food be stored to maintain safety?

The correct temperature for storing hot food to maintain safety is at or above 135°F (57°C). This temperature range is critical for keeping hot food safe, as it helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can lead to foodborne illnesses. When hot food is held at or above this temperature, it minimizes the risk of pathogens multiplying, enabling safe consumption for a longer period.

Foods should be kept above this temperature, particularly in buffet or catering scenarios, where food may be displayed for extended periods. Maintaining the right temperature not only complies with food safety regulations but also ensures that the food remains at a quality that is acceptable for consumers.

Storing hot food below 135°F (57°C) can compromise food safety by allowing bacteria to proliferate, while storing food at temperatures like 165°F (74°C) is not always necessary for safety but is more about cooking temperatures rather than holding temperatures. Storing food below 40°F (4°C) is concerned with cold food storage, not hot food. Knowing these specific temperature ranges is essential for anyone in the food service industry to keep food safe and enjoyable.