Slovakia: 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.

• LawChilled store: 2 to 6°C. Semi-finished and ready dishes may be kept only at 0 to 4°C, and only the items listed in annex 2 (Decree 533/2007, § 3 and § 9).
• LawFreezer store: −18°C or colder (Decree 533/2007, § 3). Ready dishes may not be kept frozen.
• LawCooking: the core of meat must reach at least 70°C (Decree 533/2007, § 9).
• LawHot holding: solid dishes at 60°C or hotter, soups and sauces at 65°C or hotter, served within 4 hours of finishing. In transport keep them at 65°C or hotter until served (Decree 533/2007, § 9).
• LawCooling: roast, stewed or boiled meat in one piece, dumplings and rice must be cooled within 90 minutes of preparation. Do not put warm food in the cold room (Decree 533/2007, § 9).
• LawReheating: those dishes must reach at least 70°C in the centre before serving (Decree 533/2007, § 9).
• LawCold display: nothing may be kept above 8°C. At 5 to 8°C salads may stay 6 hours, sandwiches 3 hours, and marinated cheese and cold cuts 12 hours (Decree 533/2007, annex 2).
• LawThaw food only in a thawing unit or a fridge at 4°C or colder, never in water or at kitchen temperature (Decree 533/2007, § 9).
• LawFrying fat must not go above 180°C unless the maker says otherwise. Fat used for continuous frying is changed within 24 hours (Decree 533/2007, § 9).