Final answer:
The improperly held food item is the steamed asparagus at 125 degrees, which should be held above 135 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid bacterial growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The food that is being held improperly according to the temperature guidelines is C. Steamed asparagus held at 125 degrees. Foods that are meant to be served hot should be kept at a temperature of at least 135 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the rapid growth of bacteria, which can occur in the temperature danger zone between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Chicken in marinara sauce at 135 degrees is within the safe hot holding temperature range, while seafood pasta salad and sliced deli meat at 41 degrees are safely held under the recommended cold holding temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ensuring that hot foods such as the steamed asparagus are kept at the appropriate temperature is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. The temperature of hot foods should be maintained above 135 degrees Fahrenheit (at least 140 degrees to be extra safe), and if the asparagus is held at only 125 degrees Fahrenheit, it is in the danger zone where bacteria can multiply quickly, increasing the risk of causing foodborne diseases. Therefore, to comply with health safety standards, steamed asparagus should be held at a higher temperature.