Final answer:
Eggs at a breakfast buffet should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness. The use of a thermometer is recommended to accurately measure the temperature, ensuring that bacteria like Salmonella are killed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eggs that will be held at a breakfast buffet should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature to ensure safety and reduce the risk of foodborne illness. According to food safety guidelines, the correct minimum internal temperature for eggs is 160°F. This temperature is sufficient to kill bacteria that may be present in eggs such as Salmonella. It's important to use a thermometer to check the temperature, as visual inspections might not be reliable.
Bacteria generally multiply most rapidly at temperatures between about 4 and 60 degrees C (40 and 140 degrees F). Therefore, maintaining proper cooking temperatures is crucial for preventing the rapid multiplication of microorganisms, which can lead to foodborne diseases. Foods meant to be eaten hot should be kept hot until served, and anything left at room temperature for more than two hours should be discarded.