A hot bain marie sneeze guard is a protective shield designed for bain marie units used in food service settings. This guard is typically made of transparent material, such as tempered glass or acrylic, and is positioned above the bain marie to create a barrier between the food and customers. The primary purpose of the sneeze guard is to prevent contamination by providing a physical barrier against respiratory droplets or contaminants that could be transmitted by sneezing or coughing. In addition to ensuring food safety, the sneeze guard allows customers to view and select dishes without direct contact, maintaining a hygienic and visually appealing food display. This feature is crucial in restaurants, buffets, and other food service establishments where maintaining cleanliness and preventing cross-contamination are top priorities.