What is the minimum hot holding temperature for chicken nuggets?

This guideline is established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and is part of the FDA Food Code, which serves as a model for food safety regulations used by food service establishments.

Here is a step-by-step explanation of the process for safely holding chicken nuggets at the appropriate temperature:

1. Cooking the Chicken Nuggets: First, ensure that the chicken nuggets are cooked to the minimum internal temperature required to eliminate potentially harmful bacteria. For poultry, this is 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the largest nuggets to ensure they have reached this temperature.

2. Transition to Holding: Once the chicken nuggets are properly cooked, they should be moved to a holding unit. This could be a steam table, warming tray, or any commercial food warmer designed to maintain the temperature of hot foods.

3. Setting the Temperature: Set the holding unit to at least 135 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius). This is the minimum temperature at which the chicken nuggets must be held to prevent the growth of bacteria.

4. Monitoring: Regularly check the temperature of the chicken nuggets with a clean and calibrated food thermometer. This ensures that the holding unit is functioning correctly and maintaining the appropriate temperature.

5. Stirring and Rotation: If applicable, stir or rotate the chicken nuggets periodically to ensure even heat distribution throughout the holding unit.

6. Time Limit: Be aware of the time that the chicken nuggets have been held at the hot holding temperature. Even though food can be safely held above 135 degrees Fahrenheit, quality can deteriorate over time, so it's best to serve the nuggets within a reasonable period.

7. Corrective Actions: If at any point the chicken nuggets fall below the minimum hot holding temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit, take corrective action immediately. The nuggets should be reheated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds within two hours. If this is not possible, or if the nuggets have been in the ''danger zone'' (between 41 degrees Fahrenheit and 135 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than two hours, they should be discarded.

By following these steps, you can ensure that chicken nuggets are safely held at the appropriate temperature, reducing the risk of foodborne illness and maintaining food quality for consumers.

Remember that these guidelines are based on the FDA Food Code and may vary slightly depending on local health department regulations, so it's always a good idea to check with local authorities for specific requirements.