What temperature should food be heated to in order to kill mold?

To effectively kill mold in food, it is important to reach a temperature high enough to destroy the spores and mycelium associated with mold growth. The correct answer indicates a heating temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit for a duration of 10 minutes.

Heating food to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for this length of time has been shown to be sufficient for inactivating many types of microorganisms, including some molds. The cumulative effect of both temperature and time is crucial in ensuring that the food is safely heated to eliminate potential foodborne pathogens and spoilage organisms, including those related to mold.

Higher temperatures, such as 150 or 160 degrees Fahrenheit, might provide an even greater margin of safety, but the specified combination of 140 degrees for 10 minutes is recognized as an effective measure in food safety practices for mold. Meanwhile, 130 degrees for 15 minutes—while it suggests a longer exposure—may not effectively remove the risk of mold, as the temperature is below the generally accepted threshold known to reliably eradicate mold spores.