Chicago Food Violation Code 21: Proper Hot Holding Temperatures

Severity: critical | Category: Temperature Control

What This Means

Hot foods must be held at 140°F (60°C) or above. Foods found below this temperature are in the danger zone where bacteria multiply rapidly.

Health Risk

Every minute food spends between 41°F and 140°F, bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus can double in number.

Common Examples

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