During the packing process, what is the priority with hot items?

The priority with hot items during the packing process is to separate them from cold items. This practice is essential for food safety and quality. When hot and cold foods are packed together, there is a risk that the cold items can reach unsafe temperatures, which may lead to foodborne illnesses. Keeping hot items separate helps maintain the appropriate temperature for each type of food, ensuring that the hot items remain hot and the cold items stay cold.

While packing hot items first or placing them in a separate bag might seem beneficial in certain contexts, the fundamental priority is to prevent cross-contamination and temperature compromise. Keeping them off the counter does not directly address the core issue of temperature management and food safety related to the interaction of hot and cold items. Therefore, the focus on separation is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the food served.