Final answer:
The minimum hot holding temperature for tomato basil soup at a salad bar is 60 degrees C (140 degrees F) to prevent the growth of bacteria and ensure food safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum temperature requirement for hot holding tomato basil soup at a salad bar is 60 degrees C (140 degrees F). This is in line with food safety guidelines, which state that foods meant to be eaten hot should be kept hot until served to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. To ensure the safety of the soup, it is important to use a thermometer to verify that it has reached a high enough temperature to kill any bacteria it may contain. Moreover, perishable foods that have been temperature abused by staying in the danger zone of 4 to 60 degrees C for more than two hours should be discarded to avoid foodborne illness.