Question

What is the temperature gap pathogens grow the fastest?

A) 40°F - 140°F (4°C - 60°C)
B) 32°F - 40°F (0°C - 4°C)
C) 140°F - 165°F (60°C - 74°C)
D) 165°F - 212°F (74°C - 100°C)

Answer 1

Pathogens grow the fastest in the temperature range of 40°F - 140°F (4°C - 60°C).

Step-by-step explanation:

The temperature gap in which pathogens grow the fastest is 40°F - 140°F (4°C - 60°C) (option A). Bacteria generally multiply most rapidly at temperatures between about 4 and 60 degrees C (40 and 140 degrees F). Perishable foods that remain within that temperature range for more than two hours may become dangerous to eat because of rapid bacterial growth.