Safe, Simple and Reliable Guidance for Chilled Meal Preparation
When enjoying chilled ready meals, correct heating and storage are essential for both food safety and quality. These guidelines follow UK best practice for ready meals, helping you heat your food evenly, store it safely and enjoy it at its best.
Our heating instructions are suitable for the majority of meal-prep containers and ready-meal trays and can be applied to most standard microwaves and ovens.
To keep your meal fresh and safe:
• Keep refrigerated below 5°C at all times.
• Always check and follow the use-by date printed on the label.
• Once the packaging has been opened, consume immediately.
• Most meals can be frozen unless otherwise stated on the label.
• If freezing, defrost thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Proper storage prevents spoilage and ensures both safety and flavour.
(Heating times may vary by appliance)
1. Remove the outer sleeve.
2. Pierce or peel back the film lid to allow steam to escape.
3. Heat on full power for 2–3 minutes.
4. Stir or mix halfway (if the dish requires it).
5. Heat for an additional 1–2 minutes until piping hot throughout.
6. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C before eating.
7. Leave to stand for 1 minute before serving.
Microwaving is the quickest and most effective way to reheat chilled meals safely.
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (fan 160°C).
2. Transfer the food to an oven-safe dish.
3. Heat for 15–20 minutes until fully heated through.
4. Never place plastic trays or containers in the oven.
This method provides the most even heating and is recommended for dishes that benefit from crisping or browning.
• Do not reheat more than once.
• Never heat sealed containers without piercing.
• Always check food is piping hot before serving.
• Keep meals refrigerated until ready to heat.
Keep meals refrigerated below 5°C and always follow the use-by date.
Yes. Pierce the film and heat on full power for 3–4 minutes, ensuring the food reaches 75°C.
No. For safety reasons, ready meals should not be reheated more than once.
Many can be heated in an oven-safe dish at 180°C (fan 160°C) for 15–20 minutes.
