How long can hot food be held without temperature control?

Hot food can be held without temperature control for a maximum of 4 hours. This guideline is based on food safety standards that aim to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can occur when food is kept at unsafe temperatures. After 4 hours, the risk of foodborne illness increases significantly because the temperature may drop below the safe threshold, allowing bacteria to multiply.

The time limit of 4 hours is established to ensure that food remains safe for consumption while simplifying food service operations, especially in situations where it is impractical to maintain constant hot holding temperatures. By adhering to this rule, food service managers can make better decisions about how long to serve hot food without temperature control, ensuring the safety and health of their patrons.