What Is Hot and Cold Holding?

The practice of keeping hot TCS food at 135°F or higher and cold TCS food at 41°F or lower so food stays out of the danger zone during service. These limits are the boundaries of the danger zone itself.

Hot and Cold Holding across 2 exams

Hot and Cold Holding appears on the following exams. Each defines it in the context candidates are tested on:

ServSafe Manager
The practice of keeping hot TCS food at 135°F or higher and cold TCS food at 41°F or lower so food stays out of the danger zone during service. These limits are the boundaries of the danger zone itself.
ServSafe Food Handler
The practice of keeping TCS food at safe temperatures during service: hot food held at 135°F or higher and cold food held at 41°F or lower to stay out of the danger zone.