Final answer:
The temperature for a chemical-sanitizing warewashing machine is not provided but typically ranges based on the chemical used, with some machines operating at 120°F (49°C). Sanitization aims to reduce microbes to safe levels, in contrast to the higher temperatures and pressures used in autoclaving for complete sterilization. Always refer to the machine's manual or local health regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct temperature for a chemical-sanitizing warewashing machine is not explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. However, it is important to note that the main purpose of such a machine is to reduce microbial load to safe public health levels using either heat or antimicrobial chemicals as sanitization agents. Typically, sanitizing solutions in warewashing machines are used at a variety of temperatures, some as low as 120°F (49°C), depending on the chemicals used. It is best to refer to the operating manual of the specific warewashing machine in question or comply with local health regulations for the correct operating temperature.
For comparison, an autoclave, which is used for sterilization and not merely sanitization, operates at much higher temperatures, such as 121°C or even 132°C, under increased pressure to eliminate all microbial life, including endospores. This differs from the goal of sanitization, which is to reduce the microbial load to safe levels for general public health rather than to achieve complete sterilization.