Denmark: food temperature rules

“Law” is a binding rule. “Official guidance” is not law, but inspectors expect it. “Chef Hygiene default” is a value the app checks against where no rule gives a number.

• LawFridge: the air must be 5°C or colder for cooked and cooled dishes, minced meat, meat preparations, fresh poultry, food with cream and milk products (BEK 1331/2025, § 25 and annex 3).
• LawOther chilled limits in the order: 10°C for mayonnaise salads with pH above 4,5 and for fish semi-preserves, and 12°C for eggs. If the label says colder, follow the label.
• LawFresh fish and cooked shellfish: keep them on ice or at 2°C at most (EU Regulation 853/2004, which the authority applies to restaurants).
• LawFreezer: −18°C or colder for deep-frozen food (BEK 1194/2005, § 5). A short rise of up to 3°C is allowed during local delivery.
• LawCooking and reheating: 75°C in the whole food needs no extra documentation (BEK 1331/2025, § 26). A lower temperature needs your own proof that it is safe.
• Official guidanceFish: the hygiene guide accepts 60°C in the centre for at least 1 minute.
• LawHot holding: at least 56°C everywhere in the food, with no time limit (BEK 1331/2025, § 29). This has been the rule since 1 January 2026. The old limit was 65°C.
• Official guidanceCooling: from 56°C to 10°C within 4 hours, then into the fridge at 5°C (hygiene guide VEJ 9700/2025). The law only says as fast as possible.
• Official guidanceChilled food taken out of the fridge for preparing, plating or a buffet: 3 hours at most in all. Leftovers are normally thrown away (hygiene guide).