The final rinse water temperature for a heat sanitizing machine dishwasher should be __________.

The final rinse water temperature for a heat sanitizing machine dishwasher should be 180 °F. This temperature is critical because it is high enough to effectively kill a wide range of harmful microorganisms, ensuring that dishes are sanitized properly. The heating process also allows for rapid evaporation of moisture, which contributes to the effectiveness of the sanitization process by reducing the potential for recontamination after washing.

Maintaining this temperature is essential in food service environments to comply with health codes and regulations that aim to protect public health. Temperatures below this level might not achieve the required lethality against pathogens, making them ineffective in preventing foodborne illnesses. Hence, the 180 °F requirement aligns with established standards for thermal sanitization in commercial food settings.