How long should hot holding foods be kept at a safe temperature?

Keeping hot holding foods at a temperature of 135°F or higher allows the food to remain safe for an extended period. This temperature inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, ensuring the food is safe for consumption. While there are recommendations for limiting time when foods are held below this temperature, once foods are maintained at the proper hot holding temperature, they can be kept indefinitely as long as the heat is consistently applied.

Other choices imply limitations or timeframes that do not align with food safety guidelines pertinent to hot holding. For example, stating a maximum of 2 hours or a specific timeframe like 24 hours does not respect the principle that maintaining temperature is key to safety. Indefinitely, at the correct temperature, is the best practice in food service to uphold safety and quality.