Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The ideal temperature for warming foods in a display cabinet is at least 135°F (57°C) or higher because this temperature range is essential for maintaining the safety and quality of hot foods. Keeping food at this temperature helps to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that thrive at lower temperatures, ensuring that the food remains safe for consumption.

When food is held at temperatures lower than 135°F, it enters the "danger zone," which is typically defined as between 41°F (5°C) and 135°F (57°C). In this zone, bacteria can multiply rapidly, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Therefore, maintaining a temperature of 135°F or higher is vital for extending shelf life and ensuring food safety.

While the other temperature options provided might seem adequate, they exceed the minimum required that is widely accepted for hot holding. For example, while foods at 145°F or 150°F may also be safe, they are unnecessarily high for just warming purposes, as 135°F is sufficient to keep food safe and palatable in a display cabinet environment.