Sentry Foods

Cook: Take-Out Food: Handle With Care (Keep Hot Foods Hot!)

Purchased or Delivered Hot

Eating Within Two Hours? Pick up or receive the food HOT... and enjoy eating within two hours.

Not Eating Within Two Hours? Keeping food warm is not enough. Harmful bacteria can multiply between 40°F and 140°F.

Set oven temperature high enough to keep the food at 140°F or above. Check internal temperature of food with a meat thermometer. Covering with foil will help keep your food moist.

You can also keep hot food hot (140°F or above) with chafing dishes or slow cookers that have been pre-heated.

Remember to use a meat thermometer.

Eating Much Later? It's not a good idea to try and keep the food hot longer than two hours. Food will taste better if you:

Place in shallow containers, divide large quantities, cover loosely, and refrigerate immediately.

Reheating? Reheat thoroughly to a temperature of 165° F or until hot and steaming. In the microwave oven, cover food and rotate so it heats evenly. Allow a minute or two stand time for more thorough heating.

Consult your microwave owner's manual for recommended times and power levels. Inadequate heating can contribute to illness.

Clean

Separate

Cook

Chill