How often should food in hot holding be stirred?

Stirring food in hot holding is essential to maintain an even temperature and ensure that all portions of the food remain safe and at the appropriate serving temperature. The correct answer indicates that food should be stirred every 15 minutes. This frequency helps to prevent temperature fluctuations and ensures that any food sitting in a hot holding unit remains well-distributed and hot enough to prevent foodborne illness.

When food is left to sit undisturbed, there can be hot spots and cold spots, especially in larger containers. Stirring every 15 minutes addresses this issue by promoting consistent heating and minimizing the risk of bacterial growth. Staying within this guideline is crucial for meeting food safety standards and ensuring the quality of the food served to customers.