Changes to Cold Holding Temperatures in NC

Did you know? On January 1st, 2019, cold holding temperature requirement for Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods will change from 45°F to 41°F.

Importance of Changes Federal estimates indicate that there are about 48 million cases of een 41° to 135°F will cause bacteriafood borne illness annually. TCS foods reading at a temperature betw

to grow at dangerous levels which could lead to several food borne illnesses. Current science, research, and key stakeholders support reducing temperatures from 45°F to 41°F to provide the safest food for all consumers and prevent food borne illness.

Why is this Change Happening? • Pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, can grow at 45°F, but not at 41°F. • Listeria monocytogenes is a species of bacteria that can cause serious illness in certain people, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and immune-compromised people. • Listeria grows at a much faster rate at 45°F than it does at 41°F • When illness from listeria occurs, it leads to more hospitalizations than any other food borne pathogen and is responsible for one-third of mortality. • Holding cold food at 41°F or below, instead of 45°F or below, is the safest way to protect customers from illness.

How Listeria Outbreaks May Occur

• Food can be contaminated with listeria in the manufacturing environment and then continue to grow at refrigerated temperatures once in a food establishment. • Food equipment (slicers, milk shake machines, etc.) may be contaminated with listeria and cause contamination of food products when used in a food establishment. • When outbreaks occur, they have led to devastating human cost along with a potential irreparable reputation.

What Can You Do? Things to do to ensure compliance. • Take temperatures often to ensure food is below 41°F. • Do not overfill food containers in preparation coolers, and make sure that food is below 41°F before placing into cold holding units. • Ensure equipment has regular maintenance and adequate internal and external air flow.

Code Sections Affected by this Change • 3-501.12 – Slacking • 3-501.13 – Thawing • 3-501.14 – Cooling • 3-501.16 – Cold Holding • 3-501.17 – Date Marking • 3-501.19 – Time as a Public Health Control