Why is ready-to-eat hot food safer if purchased ‘steaming’ hot?
Foods that are purchased ready-to-eat and hot are usually cooked chickens and other foods from the hot food section of supermarkets and take-aways. These foods have been cooked and are maintained hot until sold. Any contaminating bacteria may grow during the holding period if the food is not held hot enough (60°C or above). If the food appears ‘steaming’ hot it is usually hot enough to prevent the growth of Listeria. What is the difference between ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates and why avoid foods that are out of date? Manufacturers’ place ‘best before’ dates on food to advise consumers how long the food will maintain its quality if it remains in the sealed package. Food may legally be sold after its ‘best before’ date has expired provided it is safe and not damaged, deteriorated or perished in any way but it may not have the quality attributes of a ‘fresher’ product. There may be a small risk that contamination has occurred and Listeria bacteria has grown in perishable products that
