How should hot TCS food be displayed on a self-service bar?

Hot TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) food should be displayed at a minimum temperature of 135°F or hotter to ensure safety and prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. This temperature is crucial as it helps maintain the safety and quality of the food being served. By keeping the food at or above this temperature, the risk of foodborne illness is significantly reduced, ensuring that customers are served safe and delicious meals.

In a self-service setting, maintaining this proper temperature is vital, as customers will be serving themselves and might take longer than expected, exposing food to potentially unsafe conditions if not properly held at the right temperature.

The other options do not meet the safety standards required for TCS foods. For instance, displaying food at 125°F would not be safe, as it falls below the required minimum. Storing serving utensils directly in the food or on a towel could introduce pathogens and do not adhere to safe food handling practices. Therefore, the correct practice involves ensuring that hot TCS food is displayed at or above 135°F.