Final answer:
Hot food in a vending machine must be held at temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) to inhibit the growth of bacteria and ensure food safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hot food in a vending machine must be held at temperatures that prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, which tend to multiply rapidly between 4 and 60 degrees Celsius (40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit). To ensure safety and inhibit the growth of potentially harmful pathogens, hot foods should be maintained at temperature levels higher than this danger zone.
According to food safety guidelines, hot perishable food should generally be kept at 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) or above to prevent the risk of foodborne illnesses. This temperature is high enough to inhibit bacterial growth and keep the food safe to consume. Therefore, vending machines dispensing hot food are designed to maintain this minimum temperature until the food is served.