Is it acceptable to use a steam table to reheat food?

Using a steam table to reheat food is generally not recommended because steam tables are designed primarily for holding food at safe serving temperatures rather than for reheating it. The rationale behind this is that steam tables usually do not reach sufficiently high temperatures to effectively bring foods up to safe service temperatures, which should be at least 165°F (74°C) to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

When reheating food, it’s important to achieve a quick and thorough heating process to eliminate harmful bacteria that might have developed during storage. Other methods such as microwave ovens, conventional ovens, or stovetops allow for more effective and even heating compared to steam tables. Additionally, the use of steam tables for reheating may lead to uneven heating, which can leave some parts of the food at unsafe temperatures.

In contrast, steam tables can maintain food at safe temperatures after it has been properly reheated, making them suitable for serving rather than for the thorough reheating process. Hence, the recommendation is to employ alternative reheating methods before placing food in a steam table for service.