Food Manager Practice Exam

How long must eggs be held at 145 degrees for safety?

1. 5 seconds

2. 15 seconds

3. 30 seconds

4. 60 seconds

The correct answer is: 15 seconds

Holding eggs at 145 degrees for 15 seconds is a critical safety measure to ensure that any potential pathogens, such as Salmonella, are effectively killed. The principle behind this temperature and time combination is based on the heat resistance of harmful microorganisms. At 145 degrees, egg proteins begin to coagulate, and the 15-second duration is sufficient to reduce the risk of foodborne illness significantly. This specific guideline aligns with food safety practices that emphasize the importance of both time and temperature in the cooking process. Cooking eggs to this standard helps ensure they are safe for consumption, particularly in dishes that may not involve further cooking. The other potential answers refer to different time frames that do not meet the minimum safety requirement for eggs at that temperature. For example, holding eggs for 5 seconds is insufficient, as it does not provide enough time to eliminate pathogens.