What counts as “high risk hot food”?
Foods like curries, stews, hot sauces, soups, or cooked meat that remain warm and can grow dangerous bacteria.
Where can I collect hot food from?
Only from Olio-approved food businesses (e.g. take-aways, caterers) where safe hot holding is practiced.
What temperature rules apply when collecting?
Food must be 63 °C or hotter at collection. If food is cooler, you must reject it or ask staff to check temperature.
How long can I hold and redistribute hot food?
Distribute within 1.5 hours of collection. Or, if the food is still hand-warm and within 1.5 hours, you can refrigerate (≤ 5 °C) and still distribute within 24 hours.
Can I reheat hot food later?
Only if the collection instructions allow reheating. If not, you must follow the 1.5-hour distribution rule.
Is no-contact pickup allowed for hot food?
No. All hot food pickups must follow in-person handoff (no contact-less). No contact pick-ups for hot food, will result in a suspension from the Food Waste Hero programme..