Portugal: 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.

• Official guidanceChilled food: 0 to 5°C (ASAE guidance). The AHRESP code says 0 to 4°C. A product’s label or its own law comes first, for example for minced meat and fresh fish. Chef Hygiene aims for 4°C.
• Official guidanceFrozen food: −18°C or colder (ASAE guidance).
• Official guidanceHot food ready to serve: 60°C or hotter (ASAE). The AHRESP code says 65°C or hotter, and cooked food below 65°C for more than 2 hours is thrown away. Chef Hygiene checks against 65°C.
• Official guidanceCooling: ASAE says as fast as possible, using a blast chiller, small portions and shallow trays. The AHRESP code says down to 5°C within 2 hours.
• Official guidanceReheating: the AHRESP code says 65°C in the centre, once only. Portuguese law and ASAE give no reheating number.
• Chef Hygiene defaultPortuguese law sets no cooking temperature. The AHRESP code says 65°C in the centre. Chef Hygiene checks against 75°C, or 70°C for 2 minutes.
• Official guidanceThaw in the fridge, in thawing equipment, in the microwave just before cooking, or during cooking. Never thaw at room temperature (ASAE).
• LawFrying oil: never above 180°C, and oil with more than 25% polar compounds may not be used (Portaria 1135/95). ASAE advises frying at 160 to 175°C.