Final answer:
The minimum height for sneeze guards over self-service areas is typically 24 inches, as they provide a barrier to protect food from airborne particles during sneezes or coughs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question "Sneeze guards must be placed over self-service areas at a minimum height above the counter of" is C) 24 inches. Sneeze guards are an important safety feature in self-service food areas that help prevent contamination of food by blocking airborne particles that can be expelled when a person sneezes or coughs. Regulations, such as those by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), often dictate that these barriers must be at a specific height to provide effective protection. While regulations may vary by jurisdiction, a common standard is that sneeze guards should be placed at least 24 inches above the counter surface, which places it at an adequate height above the food to shield it from direct contamination.