What temperature should hot food be when I deliver it?
By the Menuthere editorial team · Last updated
It depends on your country: 65°C or above in India (FSSAI), 63°C or above in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 57°C (135°F) in the US FDA Food Code. Cold food stays at 5°C or below, or 8°C in the UK.
- India (FSSAI): hot food at 65°C or above, cold food at 5°C or below, frozen desserts at -18°C or below.
- India: high-risk hot food should reach the customer within two hours of preparation, or be kept at 65°C or chilled to 5°C.
- England, Wales and Northern Ireland: food that supports bacteria must be at 8°C or below, or 63°C or above.
- US: the FDA Food Code says hold at 57°C (135°F) or above, or 5°C (41°F) or below.
- Use insulated bags, keep trips short and check the rules of your own country.
Plan delivery that keeps food hot
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Next questions
Sources (3)
- FSSAI: FSSAI Schedule 4 Part V: hot-held food, FSSAI, file dated 2024/07
- Food Standards Agency (hosted by FSS): England, Wales and Northern Ireland law requires, Food Standards Agency (hosted by FSS), May 2016
- US FDA: FDA Food Code 2022 s.3-501.16: time/temperature control, US FDA, Food Code 2022