Final answer:
Baked potatoes, like all potentially hazardous foods, should be held at a temperature high enough to prevent bacterial growth. The correct answer is 160°F, which is safely above the danger zone of 40-140°F.
Step-by-step explanation:
When holding baked potatoes, or any potentially hazardous food, it is imperative to maintain an adequate temperature that prevents bacterial growth — generally recognized as a range where bacteria proliferate, between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is known as the 'danger zone' where microorganisms can multiply rapidly. To keep food safe, it must be held at a temperature above this range.
According to food safety guidelines, hot foods should be kept at 135 degrees F or above to ensure safety. Considering the options provided and understanding that the minimal temperature must exceed the upper limit of the danger zone, it can be concluded that the correct answer is B) 160°F, which is above the recommended threshold for safe food holding.
This information is crucial in both home cooking and food service environments to prevent foodborne illness and ensure consumer safety.