What is the minimum water temperature required for hot water immersion sanitizing?

The minimum water temperature required for hot water immersion sanitizing is 171°F. This temperature is effective because it is sufficient to kill a wide range of pathogens and ensure that surfaces are sanitized properly. Immersion in water at this temperature for the appropriate duration helps to achieve effective sanitization in food service settings where proper sanitation is paramount to preventing foodborne illness.

When the water is maintained at 171°F, items that are being sanitized should typically be immersed for at least 30 seconds to ensure thorough coverage and effective heat sanitization. This approach is crucial as it relies on heat to reduce microbial load effectively, which is especially important in environments handling food and food contact surfaces.

Other temperatures listed do not meet the minimum efficacy required for hot water sanitizing, as either they do not provide the necessary heat exposure for the right duration or do not reach the levels that ensure sufficient microbial reduction.