What temperature should hot potentially hazardous foods be maintained at?

Hot potentially hazardous foods should be maintained at a temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to ensure food safety. This temperature is crucial because it falls within the safe zone that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and other pathogens that can lead to foodborne illnesses.

When food is held below this temperature, the risk of bacterial contamination and growth significantly increases, as many harmful microbes thrive at lower temperatures. Maintaining food above 135 degrees Fahrenheit allows for safer service practices in food establishments and contributes to public health by minimizing the risk of foodborne diseases.

The other temperature options—40 degrees Fahrenheit represents a cold storage temperature, which is appropriate for preventing spoilage in perishable items, while 150 degrees Fahrenheit and 165 degrees Fahrenheit are above the necessary threshold for hot holding but are not the minimum required to ensure safe service for potentially hazardous foods.