Sweden: 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 guidanceFridge: the Swedish Food Agency advises 4°C, and Visita (the industry guide) gives 0 to 8°C. Above 8°C the risk rises sharply. Mince 4°C, and fresh fish fillet on ice or 2°C. A colder label wins.
• Official guidanceFreezer: −18°C (guidance). Quick-frozen food may rise briefly to −15°C (LIVSFS 2006:12, § 5).
• Official guidanceCooking: 70°C in the centre is the usual value in the Food Agency’s guidance and the industry guides. Visita says: if unsure, use 70°C.
• LawFish that may carry parasites: 60°C in the centre for 1 minute, or freeze it first at −20°C for 24 hours or −35°C for 15 hours (EU Regulation 853/2004).
• Official guidanceHot holding: 60°C or hotter is the guide value, or 2 hours at most. Hot food held over 2 hours and under 50°C is thrown away, otherwise it is reheated to above 70°C (Visita).
• Official guidanceCooling: from 60°C to 8°C within 6 hours. Visita says to measure it every time and throw the food away if it fails.
• Official guidanceReheating: 70°C or hotter, as fast as possible (guidance).
• Official guidanceCold buffet: under 8°C, or 2 hours at most, then throw the food away (Visita).
• Official guidanceDeliveries: accept chilled food at the product’s own temperature, so 8°C for ordinary chilled food. Reject frozen food above −15°C (Visita).