To determine the minimum hot-holding temperature required for pasta with alfredo sauce, it's essential to refer to food safety guidelines. Proper hot-holding temperatures are crucial for maintaining food safety and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. Let's look at the options given and analyze which is the correct minimum hot-holding temperature.
Here are the options:
a. [tex]$110^{\circ} F \left(43^{\circ} C \right)$[/tex]
b. [tex]$135^{\circ} F \left(57^{\circ} C \right)$[/tex]
c. [tex]$160^{\circ} F \left(71^{\circ} C \right)$[/tex]
d. [tex]$185^{\circ} F \left(85^{\circ} C \right)$[/tex]
We need to ensure that the temperature is high enough to keep the pasta with alfredo sauce safe for consumption by preventing the growth of bacteria.
1. Option a: [tex]$110^{\circ} F \left(43^{\circ} C \right)$[/tex]
- This temperature is too low. At this temperature, bacteria can still grow, which makes it unsuitable for safe hot-holding of pasta with alfredo sauce.
2. Option b: [tex]$135^{\circ} F \left(57^{\circ} C \right)$[/tex]
- This temperature is considered safe for hot-holding. It is high enough to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, ensuring the pasta is kept safe for consumption for extended periods.
3. Option c: [tex]$160^{\circ} F \left(71^{\circ} C \right)$[/tex]
- This temperature is also safe, but it is higher than the minimum requirement needed. Maintaining food at this temperature can be energy inefficient and unnecessary for hot-holding purposes.
4. Option d: [tex]$185^{\circ} F \left(85^{\circ} C \right)$[/tex]
- This temperature is excessively high for hot-holding. While it prevents bacterial growth, it is far higher than needed, which can affect the quality of the pasta over time and is not energy efficient.
Given these considerations, the minimum hot-holding temperature that balances food safety and efficiency for pasta with alfredo sauce is:
- b. [tex]$135^{\circ} F \left(57^{\circ} C \right)$[/tex]
Thus, the minimum hot-holding temperature required for pasta with alfredo sauce is [tex]\(\boxed{135}\)[/tex] degrees Fahrenheit ([tex]\(\boxed{57}\)[/tex] degrees Celsius).
