Final answer:
The correct temperature for wash sinks in a three-compartment manual warewashing system should be at least 45°C (113°F) to effectively utilize the surfactants in detergents. Sanitization, which follows washing, requires higher temperatures or chemicals.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a three-compartment sink system for manual warewashing, the correct protocol is that the wash sinks should be at least 45°C (113°F). This temperature is sufficient to aid the surfactants in detergents to effectively clean the dishes, helping to reduce surface tension and increasing solubility for better cleansing action. However, it is important to note that while washing removes food and other debris, sanitization is a separate process that requires either higher temperatures or chemical agents to ensure that harmful microbes are reduced to safe levels, in line with public health requirements.