Temperature

It can cause a risk to health if food is not stored at the correct temperature.

The ‘cold chain’ must not be interrupted for foods that rely on temperature control for their safety. It is possible to have foods outside this temperature control for a limited period of time to allow you to prepare, transport, store, display and serve food, as long as this does not produce a risk to health.

Cold food – should be kept at 8°C or below. This is the legal requirement in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland food must also be kept cold.

Hot food – should be kept at 63°C or above. This is a legal requirement throughout the UK. When you reheat food, ensure that it is piping hot all the way through.