AAA Food Manager Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is a safe temperature for holding ground pork?

1. 145 degrees F

2. 155 degrees F

3. 165 degrees F

4. 175 degrees F

The correct answer is: 155 degrees F

Holding ground pork at a temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit is considered safe because it minimizes the risk of foodborne illness by ensuring that any harmful bacteria present are effectively killed. The USDA recommends cooking ground pork to a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit for safety, and while the holding temperature can be slightly lower, it must be well above the danger zone (which is between 41 and 135 degrees Fahrenheit) to inhibit bacterial growth. Choosing 155 degrees Fahrenheit also aligns with guidelines for keeping food hot to protect against pathogens that can proliferate when food is held at unsafe temperatures. This temperature is high enough to maintain the safety and quality of the ground pork during service, making it a crucial point for food safety management.