Holding and Serving Cooked Food Holding and Serving Cooked Food
Holding and Serving Cooked FoodHolding and Serving Cooked Food
Lesson ObjectivesLesson Objectives
After completion of this lesson, occasional quantity cooks will be able to:
• Hold cooked foods safely• Serve cooked foods safely
The space of time betweenThe space of time betweenwhen food is prepared andwhen food is prepared and
when it is consumed may allow for when it is consumed may allow for potential contamination.potential contamination.
There are many factors to keeping food safe during this time.
Critical Thinking QuestionCritical Thinking Question
Now that it’s prepared, what would you do to keep 50 pounds of ground meat safe until it is eaten?
TransportingTransportingCooked FoodCooked Food
• Plan carefully• Determine total vehicle space
needed for transport• Identify/obtain appropriate
storage containers for transport• Remember 2-hour rule
Equipment for Equipment for Transporting Cold FoodsTransporting Cold Foods
• Insulated ice chests/jugs• Reusable ice packs• Leak-proof containers of ice• Dry ice
Equipment for Equipment for Transporting Hot FoodsTransporting Hot Foods
• Insulated chests/jugs• Insulated wrapping/material• Reusable hot packs
If transport time is long:If transport time is long:
• Quickly cool foodto below 40˚F
• Transport cold• Reheat to 165˚F
Holding Cooked FoodsHolding Cooked Foods
• Hold food below 40˚For above 140˚F
• Select equipment that can maintain these temperatures
• Holding equipment should only be used to maintain the temperature of a food,NOT to heat or cool a food
Equipment for Holding Hot Equipment for Holding Hot FoodsFoods
• Steam tables• Chafing dishes
Check the temperatureof the food often
Do NOT leave food at room Do NOT leave food at room temperature for more thantemperature for more than
2 hours; one hour if the temperature 2 hours; one hour if the temperature is above 90˚Fis above 90˚F
Choosing a Serving StyleChoosing a Serving Style
• Type of food event• Budget• Number of people
to be served
• Equipment available
• Availability of volunteers
• Preferences of decision makers
Handling FoodHandling FoodWhile ServingWhile Serving
• Proper hand-washing standards
• Hair restraints• No smoking, eating or
drinking
• No jewelry• Do not touch
dishes, glasses or utensils where the food or a person’s mouth will touch
• Avoid serving food if you have open cuts or burns
When to Wash HandsWhen to Wash Hands
• Before handling food• After handling food• After handling dirty
dishes or surfaces• After eating,
drinking or smoking
• After touching animals
• After coughing, sneezing, or touching face or hair
• After using the restroom or changing a diaper
• After taking out garbage
Some foodborne illness outbreaks Some foodborne illness outbreaks are caused by failure of foodservice are caused by failure of foodservice workers to follow good food-handling workers to follow good food-handling
practicespractices
Table Setting ProcedureTable Setting Procedure
• Wash hands• Hold silverware by
handles• Use scoop to serve
ice
• Avoid touching rim of glasses
• Avoid touching dishes and utensils on food or mouth contact surfaces
• Hold plates by bottom or at edges
• Hold cups by handles or bottoms
Revisit CriticalRevisit CriticalThinking QuestionThinking Question
Now that it’s prepared, what would you do to keep 50 pounds of ground meat safe until it is eaten?
Discussion PointsDiscussion Points• Hold food at 140˚F or higher until it is served.• If intended for later use, cool to below 40˚F
within 4 hours. Reheat to at least 165˚F for 15 seconds within 2 hours.
• Use appropriate food safe containers for storing and transporting food. Example —garbage bags are not approved for food storage.
• When transporting, keep cold foods in a cooler with adequate ice or cold packs. Keep hot foods hot by wrapping well and placing in an insulated container.