What is the hot holding temperature (above)?

• A. 50°C
• B. 60°C
• C. 70°C
• D. 63°C

Answer: (D)

Hot-holding safety is about keeping cooked foods at a temperature that prevents bacteria from multiplying during service. The standard minimum for hot holding is 63°C. When food is held at or above this temperature, the growth of harmful bacteria is slowed or stopped, reducing the risk of foodborne illness. Lower temperatures like 50°C or 60°C are not considered safe for holding because bacteria can still multiply if the food sits there long enough. A higher temperature such as 70°C would also be safe, but 63°C is the minimum threshold commonly tested for hot holding.