Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for creating printed tags for use in connection with a heated food item placed into a hot holding unit. System components may include a user interface, a printer, and a controller. The controller is programmed to instruct the user interface to display a prompt for an operator to input information identifying one or more characteristics of a food item positioned within or to be placed into a hot holding unit. The controller receives the information from the user interface and instructs the printer to generate a tag identifying the food item and the time at which the food item is to be removed from the hot holding unit and discarded. The tag may include a display area to display the printed information and a support area with a slit that allows the tag to be supported by a rack of the hot holding unit.