What is the temperature range that hot foods should be maintained at to ensure safety?

Hot foods should be maintained at a temperature above 140°F (60°C) to ensure safety and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. This temperature range is crucial because it inhibits the growth of pathogens that can lead to foodborne illnesses. When food is kept at or above this temperature, it remains safe for consumption after cooking, as most bacteria are not able to breed and multiply effectively at these higher temperatures.

Maintaining food at this temperature ensures that any potentially harmful microorganisms are kept at bay, thus safeguarding public health. It's important for food service environments to adhere to these guidelines to avoid foodborne illnesses, especially in settings where food is kept warm for extended periods. Keeping foods below 32°F (0°C) would mean they are frozen, which does not apply to hot foods, while ranges that suggest temperatures like 165°F (74°C) to 190°F (88°C) or 120°F (49°C) to 130°F (54°C) could either result in food being overly cooked or not cooked properly enough to kill pathogens, making those ranges less ideal for food safety.