What is the maximum temperature for potentially hazardous foods to be kept?

The maximum temperature for potentially hazardous foods to be kept refers to the safe storage conditions that help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Foods that are susceptible to such hazards should generally be kept at temperatures that inhibit bacterial growth.

The correct answer indicates that potentially hazardous foods should be kept at 45°F or below to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. This temperature ensures that any bacterial growth is significantly slowed or halted, keeping the food safe for consumption.

For other temperature ranges, such as 140°F or above, while this is within safe territory for hot holding food to keep it safe, it does not apply to the maximum storage limit for cold foods. Similarly, 32°F or below is too cold, as freezing may affect the quality of certain foods, and 55°F or below does not provide a sufficient safety margin to effectively prevent bacterial growth. Therefore, maintaining temperatures at or below 45°F is a recognized standard for safe food storage to avoid potential hazards.