The minimum safe cooking temperature for eggs intended for hot holding is?

The minimum safe cooking temperature for eggs intended for hot holding is 145°F for 15 seconds. This temperature ensures that harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, which can be found in eggs, are effectively killed, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

Cooking eggs to this temperature while holding them for the specified duration helps to ensure that the internal temperature is sufficiently high to achieve both safety and quality. This means that the eggs can be safely served or kept warm without posing a health risk to consumers.

It's essential for food safety practices to adhere to recommended temperature guidelines, as they are established based on scientific research and public health standards. Choosing not to properly cook eggs or opting for a lower temperature increases the risk of illness, which is why the specified 145°F for 15 seconds is the correct benchmark for ensuring that eggs are safe for consumption when hot holding.