How do I accurately check the temperature of the sauce in the dispenser?
For accuracy, allow overnight heating before checking the temperature of the sauce. Then, be sure the lid and valve guard are in place. If the lid and valve guard are not in place, heat can quickly escape the inside of the dispenser. Next, remove the lid from the dispenser and remove the valve from the bag of sauce. Insert a sanitized thermometer directly into the bag of sauce to check the temperature.

How long can I keep bags of unopened sauce?
Gehl's sauces are shelf-stable for one year from the date of production, no refrigeration required - production dates are printed on each bag of sauce. Unopened bags of sauce should be stored at room temperature. 

How long can I keep bags of opened, heated sauce in the dispenser?
Typical hold times for heated cheese sauce in the dispenser are 5 days for yellow sauces; 4 days for white sauces and 7 days for chili. However, hold times vary depending on the flavor of the sauce. For specific hold times, call Gehl's Customer Service at 1-800-521-2873.

How should I store bags of sauce that have already been opened and heated for serving?
If storing, first re-seal the bag of sauce with the original cap. Sauces may be held in refrigeration for up to 7 days between temperatures of 38 degrees and 42 degrees F. Please note: when prepping sauce for refrigeration, it must be cooled rapidly to 70 degrees in two hours or less and to 40 degrees within four hours.

What is the best way to re-heat sauce that has been opened and stored in refrigeration?
For best results, sauce should be re-heated rapidly and this cannot be achieved in the dispenser. Sauces should reach 165 degrees in two hours or less. Gehl's recommends re-heating the bag of sauce in a steamer, warming drawer or hot water bath (do not boil). Please note: Gehl's sauces can only be cooled and re-heated one time for proper food safety. It is strongly recommended that sauce be kept warm in the dispenser 24 hours per day for food safety. Removing product from the dispenser frequently is not advised and will not increase the life of the sauce.

*Gehl Foods, Inc. created many of these guidelines in compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations. Please check with your regional Health Department for local variations.