To determine the minimum internal temperature for holding hot food, it's important to adhere to food safety guidelines to prevent bacterial growth and ensure the food remains safe for consumption. According to these guidelines:
1. Hot food should generally be kept at a temperature that can inhibit the growth of bacteria.
2. Different temperatures might be recommended for different food safety practices, but there is a standard minimum internal temperature that is widely accepted.
Given the options:
1. [tex]$135^{\circ} F$[/tex]
2. [tex]$165^{\circ} F$[/tex]
3. [tex]$145^{\circ} F$[/tex]
4. [tex]$155^{\circ} F$[/tex]
The minimum internal temperature for holding hot food should be at least [tex]$135^{\circ} F$[/tex]. This temperature ensures that the food remains in a safe temperature zone where bacterial growth is minimized.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]$135^{\circ} F$[/tex].
