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Environmental Health Programs


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County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Environmental Health
5050 Commerce Drive
Baldwin Park, CA 91706
Phone: (626) 430-5200
Fax: (626) 813-3000
Email: ehmail@ph.lacounty.gov

Click here for map to our facility

Cooling, Reheating and Labeling
Cooling Food After Preparation

Food shall be rapidly cooled by one of the following methods:

  • Place the food in shallow, heat-conducting pans
  • Separate the food into smaller or thinner portions
  • Use rapid-cooling equipment
  • Use containers that aid in the cooling of foods (e.g., shallow metal pans)
  • Add ice as an ingredient
  • Place container in an ice bath and stir frequently

Reheating Certain Food

When reheating potentially hazardous food, special care must be given to reheat it properly.

Heating food to 165°F kills most bacteria.

Food that are usually reheated include soups, stews, sauces, potatoes, beans, rice, and meat dishes. Reheating requirements do not apply to food from an approved processing plant in its original sealed container. This food shall be heated and maintained to at least 135°F for hot holding. There is no minimum temperature if the food is going to be immediately served.

Labeling Requirements

Pre-packaged food is required to have labels in English with the following information:

  • Common product name
  • Manufacturer's or distributors name and location (city, state, zip code)
  • Ingredients in order of predominance
  • Net weight in English (metric) units
  • "Perishable" or "Keep Refrigerated" when the food requires it

Food in self-service bulk bins require a label on the bin with the common product name and ingredients.


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