Unpasteurized shell eggs prepared for immediate service must be cooked to:

The correct cooking temperature for unpasteurized shell eggs prepared for immediate service is 145°F for 15 seconds. This temperature and time combination is sufficient to kill harmful bacteria like Salmonella, which can be present in raw or undercooked eggs. Cooking to this temperature ensures that the eggs are safe for consumption while maintaining quality.

The rationale behind this requirement is based on food safety guidelines that specify minimal cooking times for various types of food, including eggs, to ensure pathogens are effectively eliminated. Cooking eggs to 145°F allows them to reach a safe internal temperature while preserving their texture and taste.

In contrast, higher temperature cooking times, such as those mentioned in the other options, could result in overcooked eggs, which can become rubbery or dry. Therefore, while those temperatures will indeed kill bacteria, they are not necessary for the immediate service of unpasteurized shell eggs when the focus is on maintaining the best culinary quality.