CA Health & Safety Code Section 114002


(a)

Whenever food has been prepared or heated so that it becomes potentially hazardous, it shall be rapidly cooled if not held at or above 135°F.

(b)

After heating or hot holding, potentially hazardous food shall be cooled rapidly from 135ºF to 41°F or below within six hours and, during this time the decrease in temperature from 135°F to 70°F shall occur within two hours.

(c)

Potentially hazardous food shall be cooled within four hours to 41°F or less if prepared from ingredients at ambient temperature, such as reconstituted foods and canned tuna.

(d)

Except as specified in subdivision (e), a potentially hazardous food received in compliance with laws allowing a temperature above 41°F during shipment from the supplier as specified in Section 114037 shall be cooled within four hours to 41°F or less.

(e)

Pasteurized milk in original, sealed containers, pasteurized milk products in original, sealed containers, raw shell eggs, and unshucked live molluscan shellfish need not comply with subdivision (c) or (d) if these foods are placed immediately upon their receipt in refrigerated equipment that maintains an ambient temperature of 45°F or less.
Last Updated

Aug. 19, 2023

§ 114002’s source at ca​.gov