If remains are held beyond 24 hours after death, what must be done to them?

When remains are held beyond 24 hours after death, they must be embalmed or otherwise sealed to prevent decomposition and ensure public health safety. Embalming involves the use of chemicals to preserve the body, which significantly delays the natural process of decay. Sealing the remains could involve methods such as refrigeration, or using a sealed container that restricts exposure to the environment.

This requirement is rooted in public health regulations and funeral practice standards that aim to maintain the dignity of the deceased while also adhering to health guidelines. The other options listed are not universally required after 24 hours; for example, immediate burial or cremation is not mandated, and a vault may not always be necessary unless specified by the family or local law. Therefore, the emphasis on embalming or sealing ensures that the remains can be handled properly and respectfully until the time of final disposition.