What is the minimum internal temperature eggs must reach for at least 15 seconds when they will be hot held for service?

What is the minimum internal temperature eggs must reach for at least 15 seconds when they will be hot held for service?

• A. 135°F (57°C)
• B. 145°F (63°C)
• C. 155°F (68°C)
• D. 165°F (74°C)

Answer: (C)

When eggs will be kept hot for service, they must hit a specific temperature and hold for a short time to ensure any harmful bacteria are inactivated. The minimum safe combination is 155°F (68°C) for 15 seconds. Hitting that temperature long enough gives enough heat exposure to kill pathogens like Salmonella during the holding period. If you only maintain eggs at 135°F, that temperature isn’t high enough to provide the necessary kill step, so safety isn’t guaranteed while they’re on the line. A higher temperature, such as 165°F (74°C), would also be safe and meet the goal, but it isn’t the minimum required.

When eggs will be kept hot for service, they must hit a specific temperature and hold for a short time to ensure any harmful bacteria are inactivated. The minimum safe combination is 155°F (68°C) for 15 seconds. Hitting that temperature long enough gives enough heat exposure to kill pathogens like Salmonella during the holding period.

If you only maintain eggs at 135°F, that temperature isn’t high enough to provide the necessary kill step, so safety isn’t guaranteed while they’re on the line. A higher temperature, such as 165°F (74°C), would also be safe and meet the goal, but it isn’t the minimum required.