What temperature is required for sanitizing dishes?

The correct answer is 170°F because this temperature is established as effective for sanitizing dishes, particularly in a three-compartment sink or commercial dishwasher setting. At this temperature, harmful bacteria are effectively killed, ensuring that the dishes are safe for use.

The process of sanitization typically requires a minimum temperature to facilitate the reduction of microorganisms. While temperatures lower than 170°F may not effectively eliminate all pathogens, 170°F strikes a balance for ensuring both safety and efficiency in the cleaning process.

Additional perspectives on the other temperature ranges include that although detergents and manual cleaning reduce surface contamination, the temperature must be sufficiently high for true sanitization. In general, achieving temperatures above 180°F can ensure even thorough sanitization, but 170°F is often the practical standard.