Holding & ServiceQuestion 212 of 320

A pizzeria holds display slices under the 4-hour time-only option, marked from 12:00 p.m. At 4:15 p.m. three slices remain and still feel warm. What should the employee do?

a.Sell them quickly at a discount before 4:30 p.m.
b.Reheat them to 165°F and start a new 4-hour window
c.Refrigerate them and serve them tomorrow
d.Discard the slices; once the 4-hour window passes, the food cannot be served, reheated, or returned to temperature control

Explanation

Under time as a public health control, the discard time is absolute. Once 4 hours pass, the food must be thrown out regardless of how it looks or feels, and it may not be rescued by reheating or refrigeration because time, not temperature, was the only control.

Law Reference: FDA Food Code §3-501.19

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