New York City Food Protection Practice Test

What temperature must water be for hot-water sanitizing to be effective?

1. 150°F

2. 160°F

3. 170°F

4. 180°F

The correct answer is: 170°F

For hot-water sanitizing to be effective, the water must be maintained at a temperature of 170°F. This temperature is crucial because it is high enough to kill bacteria and other pathogens that could be present on surfaces and utensils. The effectiveness of hot-water sanitization is based on the principle that higher temperatures increase the lethality of the sanitizing process, allowing microorganisms to be destroyed more efficiently. Maintaining water at this specific temperature ensures that the sanitization process takes a reduced amount of time while ensuring maximum effectiveness. Anything below this temperature may not provide sufficient sanitization, as it could allow some bacteria to survive. Therefore, adhering to this guideline is essential for food safety practices to prevent foodborne illnesses.